In a bold move to combat plastic pollution, SOLIBRA has unveiled its ECO BOX project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster sustainable circular economy practices in Treichville. The launch coincides with the World Plastic Bag Free Day, emphasizing the project’s alignment with global environmental goals.
Treichville, a bustling commune in Abidjan, was selected as the pilot site due to its staggering daily output of plastic waste, which clogs drains and undermines sanitation efforts. ECO BOX aims to turn this environmental challenge into an economic opportunity by establishing an efficient waste collection and recycling system.
The project is made possible through a strategic partnership between SOLIBRA, the J’Adore Foundation in Treichville, and BIRWAST, a leader in plastic waste recycling. Together, they are working to revolutionize waste management in the area, reduce urban pollution, and unlock local economic potential.
To kickstart operations, SOLIBRA has equipped local teams with essential tools, including six wheelbarrows, a motorized tricycle for waste collection, 80 trash bags, twelve rakes, gloves, shovels, and traditional brooms. These resources will empower workers to efficiently gather and transport plastic waste while maintaining hygiene standards.
ECO BOX sets out to achieve three key outcomes: drastically reducing plastic waste in drainage systems to lower flood risks, creating jobs for local youth as collectors and drivers, and transforming collected plastics into reusable materials through recycling. The initiative also prioritizes community engagement, training residents on proper waste sorting and cleanliness habits.
The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the project’s official start, followed by the handover of the first motorized tricycle to a waste collector. This vehicle will soon navigate Treichville’s streets, collecting plastic waste and serving as a visible symbol of the community’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
