KCCA SEEKS PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE PLASTIC RECYCLING

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is exploring partnerships to establish a modern plastic recycling facility that will convert plastic waste into value-added products, including plastic tiles and other construction materials, as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable solid waste management in the city.

The initiative was highlighted during a visit to the Wankoko Waste Recycling Facility on Monday by KCCA's Deputy Executive Director, Benon Kigenyi, who led the Authority's Senior Management Team (SMT) to assess the facility's capacity and explore opportunities for expanding its use through collaboration with private sector players and development partners.

The proposed recycling plant forms part of KCCA's broader strategy to embrace innovative waste management solutions while advancing a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable resources.

Speaking during the visit on Monday, Kigenyi emphasized the need to reposition plastic waste as an economic asset rather than an environmental challenge.

"Our goal is to establish a sustainable recycling ecosystem where plastic waste is collected, processed and transformed into products with economic value. This presents an opportunity to improve environmental management, create livelihoods and keep Kampala cleaner," Kigenyi said.

The Wankoko facility located in the Industrial Area was nitially developed to process organic waste from city markets, the facility has previously supported innovative initiatives such as black soldier fly production.

KCCA is now seeking to repurpose and expand the existing infrastructure to support plastic recycling and other resource recovery initiatives.

Under the proposed model, plastic waste collected from across the city will be sorted, processed and transformed into products such as plastic tiles, with plans to diversify into other recycled products as the facility expands. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution while promoting value addition through recycling.

Once operational, the facility will create economic opportunities for households, waste collectors and community groups by providing a market for plastic waste, turning what was once considered an environmental nuisance into a source of income.

The SMT also toured KCCA's plant nursery at the facility, where trees, shrubs and ornamental flowers are propagated to support landscaping and the beautification of Kampala. The nursery plays an important role in the Authority's greening programme and contributes to creating a cleaner, healthier and more attractive city.

The planned recycling initiative underscores KCCA's commitment to environmental sustainability, innovative solid waste management and partnerships that deliver practical solutions for a smart, resilient and livable Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer