Eco Brixs

Every day across Uganda more than 600 tons of plastic is disposed, and with no formal means of waste collection, over 90% ends up being sent to landfill or burnt illegally. Eco Brixs sets out to tackle these environmental issues and create much-needed employment opportunities through its closed-loop recycling system. This system starts with local people collecting plastic waste, which they deposit to satellite collection stations in return for payment. The plastic waste is then made into a plastic sand composite to be used for pavers and other construction materials. The product has gone through extensive testing and is stronger, lighter and cheaper to produce than concrete. With 14 sites based in market and trading centres, and plans to build 20 more, Eco Brixs have made it as convenient as possible for the community to recycle and access new income streams; stimulating the local economy and encouraging people to look after their environment. Beyond its core operations, Eco Brixs also has a focus on reducing the country’s plastic consumption as a whole. They do this through an educational program that establishes Eco Clubs in schools across the Masaka District. The clubs involve interactive lessons where students learn about the dangers of plastic, and are given practical methods to aid in reducing their usage at home, as well ideas for implementing sustainable systems at school. Eco Brixs has injected over $38,000 into the local economy since December 2018 alone, helping to alleviate poverty and engage the local community on environmental issues. Eco Brixs recycling sites have created a new market for plastic which is taken up by some of the most vulnerable and underrepresented community members; youth and those with disabilities. Their system has created over 500 zero-hour income opportunities and provided 12 full-time jobs. Eco Brixs have also employed 6 disabled staff who manage the community collection sites.