In a bid to improve waste management in Lagos, Tetra Pak and WeCyclers have launched a new scheme that rewards residents for recycling used beverage cartons (UBCs), aiming for a cleaner city and a boost to the local economy. The partnership was officially unveiled at a community event in Lagos Island, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from residents eager to participate.
The initiative is straightforward: residents collect their used juice and milk cartons and deposit them at nearby WeCyclers kiosks, receiving immediate cash payments based on the weight of the cartons. This novel approach addresses several pressing issues simultaneously. Firstly, it tackles the problem of UBC waste, which often ends up in landfills or contributes to environmental litter. By incentivizing recycling, the scheme encourages residents to dispose of their waste responsibly. Secondly, it provides a sustainable income stream for locals, especially in a city where economic opportunities can be scarce.
Experts believe that initiatives like this are crucial in addressing Lagos’ waste management crisis. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, the partnership between Tetra Pak and WeCyclers sets a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges.
At the recently concluded Propak West Africa event held in Lagos, the Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa, Haithem Debbiche, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability. “Our goal in Nigeria is to develop sustainable recycling solutions and a low-carbon circular economy. To achieve this, we need to boost the recycling value chain and the local recycling industry. Hence, Tetra Pak is partnering with key stakeholders to implement sustainable recycling and collection processes with WeCyclers, Oliver Adam, and other future partners.”
While the scheme is still in its early stages, the initial enthusiasm from residents is a promising sign. If successful, it could potentially be replicated in other parts of Nigeria and serve as a model for other developing countries grappling with waste management issues.