Eco-waste Initiative
Eco-waste initiative is a business enterprise that turns plastic waste bags into sustainable products to protect the environment from plastic pollution. Collected plastic waste is recycled and the material is used to manufacture new locally commercially viable products which add value and opportunities to the local communities like mattress covers, mats and rain jackets.
Uganda is struggling with the high costs and inflexibility associated with waste disposal. Eco-waste initiative offers an innovative and compliant solutions. They ensure that all plastic waste material is collected, recycled, processed and repurposed to promote circular apporaches to waste management and product lifecycle.
To indentify community demands, a target market research and survey was conducted in different slums of Kampala districts namely Katwe , Katoogo and Kafirigi in Makindye Division. Different products were tested to find out about their demand, their strengths and weaknesses as well as socio-economic impacts. Products are especially popular with health centres, farmers, primary boarding schools, refugee settlements, but also private households.
- Integrating informal waste collectors into value chains by offering employment and mobilizing groups in risk
- Raising awareness of public for non-biodegradable plastics
- Preventing floods due to clogged up drainage channels by massive amounts of plastic litter
- Cleaning cities to promote higher life quality for inhabitants.
- Reducing marine and riverarm litter
- Creating job opportunities by employing women and youth and help raise their standard of living with additional, reliable income.
- Maximizing production with the increase of waste picking activites, to reduce product prices in the long run to make recycled products more competitive.
Partners
Hoffnung für Uganda e.V. is working with the Initiative since 2017, providing mentorship and competency training for new products
