Collecting and recycling 5,000 tonnes of plastic and growing thanks to you support
Like in many countries, waste management in Kenya is largely unregulated, unmanaged, and unsafe. A colossal 4,000 tonnes of waste is produced in Nairobi every day, 20% of which is plastic. Of the waste generated by the city, only 20-30% is recycled, reused, or transformed into material that can be of economic value. On top of the environmental impacts, overflowing waste dumps pose a humanitarian risk, with air, water, and soil contamination leading to severe health issues for local communities.
receiving good working wages and working conditions
for Nairobi and surrounding communities
of products and packaging, the project reduces dependence on virgin plastic
collected and recycled each year, preventing plastic pollution and protecting Kenya's natural environment
The TakaTaka Recycling project, meaning ‘garbage’ project in Swahili, aims to transform Kenya’s plastic waste value chain for good. In addition to collecting directly from Nairobi households and businesses, the project engages local waste pickers to remove valuable plastics from improperly managed dumpsites across Kenya while providing fair compensation and benefits, including health checkups, PPE, and childcare. Once collected, the waste is taken to a central recycling facility where it is sorted, washed, and recycled into flakes and pellets sold to local plastic manufacturers. With this process, TakaTaka Solutions, the project partner, ensures a second life for 95% of waste.
Establishing the infrastructure for the recycling of single-use and flexible plastics is key in Kenya’s journey toward eradicating plastic pollution in the country. By proactively dealing with over 5,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, the initiative both improves living conditions in Kenya and preserves the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Employing around 1,300 local workers, the project accelerates Kenya’s green economy while providing critical income security and social benefits to waste pickers.
