WasteAid to boost plastic recycling in The Gambia

A new plastic recycling initiative that aims to empower young and vulnerable people in The Gambia has been launched by WasteAid.

The project will see the charity partner with recycling company, Plastics Recycling Gambia, to improve how plastic waste is collected, sorted and recycled. It is funded by the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund (NREF).

Plastics Recycling Gambia was launched by young Gambian entrepreneur, Alieu Sowe, three communities and local waste collectors.

Set to run for the next two years, the project will involve the training of collector groups, setting up collection infrastructure, behaviour change campaigns as well as business training support to Plastics Recycling Gambia to help expand the business.

WasteAid hopes the scheme will drive the recovery of recyclables, not only significantly reducing the amount of plastic that is either dumped or burned but will also help build sustainable income streams for waste collectors, assisting in the development of a vibrant circular economy in The Gambia.

Plastics Recycling Gambia currently collects 15t of hard plastic a month from 21 collection points across the region, providing income for up to 21 waste collectors who collect and bag up the plastics according to WasteAid. 

WasteAid say its initiative aims to increase the volume of plastic recycled at the plant to 50t each month.

It is also said it will create more than 30 jobs for young people wanting to enter the waste sector, as well as educating the wider community on the potential value of materials they currently consider as waste.