The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has called on the public to adopt responsible waste management practices, using this year’s Global Recycling Day to promote recycling and environmental sustainability.

In a video shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, the authority delivered a simple but powerful message: “Waste is only waste if we waste it. Let’s recycle and protect our planet.”

The video, which marked the global observance, highlighted the importance of recycling and proper waste segregation as key steps toward addressing Ghana’s growing sanitation and environmental challenges.

Through visual demonstrations, the EPA showed how different types of waste, including plastics, glass, paper, cans, and biodegradable materials, should be sorted at the source to enable effective recycling, as separating waste is a critical first step in reducing landfill pressure and improving waste recovery rates.

Beyond disposal, the video also showcased creative ways of repurposing everyday waste items.

Viewers were shown how used plastic containers could be transformed into practical household items such as flower vases and pen holders, reinforcing the idea that waste can still have value when properly managed.

The video ended with a powerful emphasis: “Don't think waste, think opportunity.”

The campaign forms part of broader efforts by the EPA to encourage behavioural change among residents and businesses, particularly in urban centres like Accra where waste generation remains high.

Increasing public awareness and participation in recycling is essential to protecting the environment, improving public health, and promoting sustainable living.

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark Global Recycling Day, the authority is hopeful that sustained education and community involvement will help shift attitudes and build a culture of environmental responsibility nationwide.