Ecoplastile Limited
The Pitch
Ecoplastile Limited diverted plastic waste from Kampala’s landfills and created local jobs by providing payment, medical insurance and/or business insurance in exchange for plastic. They then turned this plastic into roof tiles that could be used to improve local structures.
The Problem
Kampala faced a trio of major challenges: limited healthcare access due to financial constraints, inefficient waste management and high rates of youth unemployment.
The Process
- Created WasteInsure: a system that enables residents to exchange plastic waste for money, health insurance and/or business insurance
- Formalized work agreements with waste collectors known as “wastepreneurs”
- Hired and created dignified jobs for women, youth and people living in informal settlements
- Hired sales agents (to sell roof tiles) and certified roofers
- Transformed plastic waste into durable roof tiles and other building materials
The Impact
- Turned 35 metric tons of plastic waste into roof tiles per month, keeping plastic out of landfills and providing durable building material
- Generated local jobs for women and youth who previously struggled to obtain livelihoods: By 2025, the project is projected to employ 2,110 wastepreneurs, 85% of them female, providing earnings equivalent to 15,500 euros per month
- Improved health outcomes and decreased financial burdens caused by medical bills through WasteInsure
- Increased representation for people living in informal settlements by including residents in City Council decisions and building their capacity to advocate for their needs
