We developed the Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) approach as a tool to understand the existing and necessary ‘who’, ‘how’ and ‘what’ elements are present and needed in a given [waste management] system. The ISWM approach helps to analyse three important dimensions: We work on understanding each of these dimensions and how they relate to…
To help improve plastic waste management and empower stakeholders across the entire waste value and service chain we have developed a series of ‘how to’ video tutorials which break down the different steps within plastic waste processing. The full list of topics can be found below: These videos were developed by our FINILOOP (financial inclusion and…
The aim of this publication is to disseminate lessons learned from the support of three entrepreneurs in Africa. This includes Oumar in Mali, Kevin in Kenya, and Mamadou in Senegal–our plastic waste recycling heroes. We analyse their business in detail: Why are they successful and what challenges did they encounter and still need to overcome?…
Opportunities for job creation This report maps and analyses plastic waste value chains in the cities of Bamako, Koulikoro, Kayes, Gao in Mali. A process which enables the identification of bottlenecks hampering the functioning of the solid waste value chain and activities with the highest potential for job creation. This study was carried out as…
Start growing your waste business today This practical guide is designed for waste pickers and small-scale dealers and recyclers working with recovered materials. It helps you better understand your operations, organise your work, and increase your income. Built around four simple steps to small-scale entrepreneurship, the guide walks you through: With real-world examples, focused guidance…
Being able to access good quality recycling equipment is only one part of the plastic waste management challenge. Alongside this it is vital to equip those responsible for machinery with the skills to safely use, maintain and troubleshoot it. Too often we see a technology first approach being introduced in low- and middle-income countries resulting…