From trash to cash: How waste-preneurs are leading plastic recycling revolution

 

In Eastleigh and Kibra, two of the Nairobi’s busiest neighbourhoods, a silent revolution is underway. Amid the daily hustle, a group of unsung individuals, known as waste pickers or “waste-preneurs,” are playing a crucial role in transforming Kenya’s plastic waste into valuable resources.

These waste-preneurs are the hidden heroes of the recycling ecosystem, collecting discarded plastics and delivering them to Mr Green Africa centers, where the journey of recycling begins.

Each morning, waste-preneurs in Eastleigh and Kibra search for plastic waste along the streets and roads, markets, and residential areas. With sacks and carts, they collect various types of plastics — from bottles to packaging materials.

Their efforts not only help clean the environment but also serve as a means of livelihood. The collected plastics are then sold to Mr Green Africa centers, where they are compensated at fair rates.

Mr. Green Africa is a social enterprise that establishes collection centers in various areas of Nairobi, such as Eastleigh and Kibra. These centers serve as the first point of contact in the recycling chain. The plastics collected here are weighed, sorted, and prepared for processing.

Sustainable practices

Once collected and sorted at Mr Green Africa centers, the plastics are transported to the company’s plant in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. At this facility, the plastics are cleaned and further sorted to meet the required standards for recycling. This stage is crucial, as it determines the quality of the final product produced through the recycling process.

The journey of the plastic pellets doesn’t end at the Sameer plant. They are further transported to McDave, a company specializing in recycled plastics. McDave processes these pellets into various forms of recycled plastic, which are then used to produce packaging products. For example, Vim, a popular cleaning product, uses packaging made from recycled plastic.

This entire process, from collection to the final product, underscores the importance of a well-organized recycling system. Such a system plays a vital role in reducing plastic waste, creating job opportunities, and ensuring sustainability in practice.

Recycling technologies

Unilever, one of the leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices. Joseph Sunday, the Head of Sustainability at Unilever Kenya, emphasized the brand’s commitment to recycling. “At Unilever, we believe in the power of recycling to create positive change in the environment and society,” says Sunday.

Beyond packaging, Unilever plays an active role in the recycling ecosystem. The company supports and promotes recycling and waste management initiatives, collaborating with organizations such as Mr. Green Africa to create a circular economy where waste becomes a reusable resource.

While Kenya has made significant progress in developing its plastic recycling ecosystem, challenges remain. Chief among these is a lack of awareness and education on recycling among the general public. There is a need to view plastic waste as a resource, not just an inconvenience.

Another challenge lies in the informal nature of the waste collection sector. Many waste-preneurs operate under harsh conditions with minimal or no social protection. To address this, policies and programs are needed to integrate these workers into the formal economy, where better working conditions and social benefits can be provided.

Despite these challenges, the opportunities within the recycling industry are vast. With sufficient investment and support, Kenya has the potential to become a leader in plastic recycling across Africa. Success stories like Mr. Green Africa demonstrate that a sustainable and profitable recycling ecosystem is achievable.

Several actions are needed to improve Kenya’s plastic recycling ecosystem. First, there must be increased investment in recycling infrastructure, including the establishment of more collection centers, enhanced sorting and processing facilities, and the development of new recycling technologies.

Second, stronger coordination between the government, private sector, and civil society is crucial. These stakeholders should contribute to policy formulation and programs that promote recycling and waste management. This should include incentives for enterprises to reuse materials in their processes, as well as campaigns to raise public awareness about the benefits of recycling.

Recycling technologies

Thirdly, there is a need for innovation and research. Developing new recycling methods and exploring alternative uses for recycled plastics could help create a more efficient and effective recycling ecosystem. It may also open new markets or opportunities for businesses involved in recycling.

The plastic waste recycling journey in Kenya serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Each element in the recycling value chain—from waste-preneurs to processing plants in Industrial Area and Sameer—plays a vital role in transforming trash into cash. With the support of companies and the commitment of organizations like Mr. Green Africa, Kenya is moving toward a green circular economy.

As Joseph Sunday aptly puts it, “Recycling is not just about waste management; it is about value addition and making a positive impact on the environment and society. Together, we can create a future that is plastic-waste-free.”