What do we do?
Our Absorbent Hygiene Product Collections Project, funded by Kimberly Clark, is a programme which removes AHP products from informal settlements. It reflects Kimberly Clark’s commitment to take fair responsibility for the recovery of their products in the post-consumer environment.
How do we do it?
The collections element of this pilot project involves the engagement with two communities through community liaisons/ project facilitators who communicate / train communities about the detriments of inappropriate disposal of nappies and female hygiene products into the environment.
The project has allowed for the installation of bins conveniently located in Community Ablution Blocks and on access routes so AHP’s can be collected and taken to municipal collection points for removal. Through project collaborations with researchers /scientists at Switzerland universities, Dr Marc Kalina (ETH Zurich, Global Health Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (MAVT) and Dr. Jurgita Slekiene (University of Zürich), the pilot project uses the proven RANAS behaviour change methodology. Research findings can be accessed here
Where do we do it?
These pilot projects are taking place in Blackburn Village and Johanna Road informal settlement communities in the eThekwini Municipality.
What is the impact?
Like our litterbooms project we expect the removal of AHPs from rivers and our beaches to enhance tourists’ experience and hence restimulate this sector of our local economy. It also helps with hygiene within these informal settlements. This pilot also feeds into the national DFFE initiative to develop a national strategy for AHPs.
How can you get involved?
The 2023/2024 pilot project costs are funded by Kimberly Clark (Huggies) but we envisage a later phase of the project where we hope to innovate on how we can beneficiate the AHPs in appropriate and safe ways into compost / fertiliser.
Interested in becoming involved? Contact Jonathan Welch