Value chains

Promoting the recycling economy

The city of Bo is promoting the creation of new products from recyclable materials such as glass, metal, plastic and paper. Particular emphasis is placed on composting because organic waste makes up the lion’s share of rubbish generated in Sierra Leone. The idea is to create jobs all along the value chain. In addition, important resources can be recovered by local businesses, and the cost of dumping as well as environmental damage will be reduced.

Jochen Moninger

Raphael Thurn-Valsassina

Welthungerhilfe Plastic bottles are turned into paving stones: these stones are a mixture of PET plastic and sand.

14.05.2016

bleMany materials that are discarded can be reused in economically sensible ways if value chains are created. Over 20 small businesses have been registered in Bo since 2013 and have joined forces in a “waste-to-wealth” interest group. The local recycling sector is becoming an attractive and dynamic field:

pots, figurines and fashion trinkets are made from aluminium;
paving stones are made from plastic and sand;
ropes are made from plastic bottles;
discarded plastic bags provide material for new handbags;
new clothes and tote bags are made from fabric remnants;
organic waste is turned into valuable compost fertiliser or formed into biochar briquettes, which are a substitute for charcoal; and
old tyres are made into sandals, fan belts or scoops.

The promotion of recycling has resulted in strong local demand for reusable materials, making waste collection and separation economically attractive. Waste producers – including private households, businesses or restaurants – appreciate the opportunity to sell sorted waste to recyclers. Prices are rising. People who recycle plastic and soda cans have even started to buy recyclables from neighbouring cities. The market is taking on the form of an auction. There are currently 26 specialised waste traders operating in Bo.