Moldovans shape the future through educating the youth on waste management and environmental stewardship

“The campaign about recycling is crucial not only for adults but also for children,” shares 20-year-old Tatiana, the Communication Manager at ABS Recycling. 

“Habits are easier to form in childhood, and sorting garbage should become a normal activity, rather than a burdensome obligation”, she adds.

On a radiant August day, a group of children from Sadaclia village in Moldova embarked on a journey to the ABS Recycling Station. The excursion was organized by World Vision through a project funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft.

The station is a beacon of environmental stewardship for over a decade, dedicated to the meticulous sorting and recycling of waste materials. It processes 600 tons of garbage every day. 

One of the greatest challenges they face is the widespread lack of knowledge and infrastructure for proper waste sorting. To combat this, the station's team offers enlightening tours to showcase the significance and intricacies of their vital work.

As the children walked through the station, they quickly realized that recycling is much more than simply tossing trash into the correct bin. 

They witnessed the painstaking efforts of the station’s staff as they separated different types of plastics, set aside non-plastic items, and ensured that every recyclable material was properly processed. 

Dina, 15-year-old, was deeply moved by the hard work she observed. She understood that sorting and recycling are not just crucial for the local environment and economy but are acts of respect for the tireless efforts of the recycling staff. 

“Recycled plastic can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for new production and cutting down on factory emissions,” Dina reflected on the broader impact of her actions.

“I find this tour fascinating,” Dina shared enthusiastically. “It’s so much more impactful to see the process in action than to simply hear about the importance of recycling in a classroom,” adds Dina.

I hope today’s tour will stay with them, inspiring them to appreciate our team’s hard work and to start sorting their waste from now on. I also wish for them to spread the knowledge they’ve gained, helping to shift societal attitudes towards waste management.

The tour held more than just lessons on recycling; it was also a journey through history. ABS Recycling station has created a mini museum displaying intriguing items unearthed during the sorting process. 

The children were thrilled to explore this collection, which included old watches, musical instruments, photographs, and even Transnistrian currency from the early 90s, never circulated. 

Many of these children were unaware of Transnistria or the events of 1992, so this tour became a bridge connecting environmental responsibility with a deeper understanding of Moldova’s history. Tatiana hopes the day’s experiences will leave a lasting impression on the children. 

“I hope today’s tour will stay with them, inspiring them to appreciate our team’s hard work and to start sorting their waste from now on. I also wish for them to spread the knowledge they’ve gained, helping to shift societal attitudes towards waste management,” she adds.

Natalia, an Ave Copiii representative who accompanied the children, also found herself learning alongside them. Although she understood the theory behind recycling, seeing the process up close revealed its complexity. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here,” Natalia shared. “The seeds planted in these children’s minds today will blossom into something beautiful and vital for future generations.”

Since August 12, 2024, nearly 100 children have had the privilege of touring the ABS Recycling station through the efforts of Ave Copiii.

The long-term impact of these tours is immeasurable; the knowledge imparted today will be carried forward as these children grow, and the seeds of awareness sown now will flourish as they pass on this wisdom to their own children. 

Such educational initiatives are more than just lessons - they are investments in a brighter, more sustainable future.

Story and photos by Pavel Iorga, Communications Officer