Côte d’Ivoire tackles plastic waste with SOLIBRA’s ECO BOX initiative

SOLIBRA has unveiled its ECO BOX project, a bold initiative designed to combat plastic waste and foster a sustainable circular economy in Treichville, coinciding with the World Plastic Bag Free Day.

Launched in response to Treichville’s pressing waste management challenges, the project targets the commune’s daily accumulation of plastic debris, which clogs drainage systems and strains sanitation infrastructure. By establishing a structured recycling framework, ECO BOX aims to convert these discarded materials into valuable resources while revitalizing local economic opportunities.

The initiative is built on a partnership between SOLIBRA, the J’Adore Treichville Foundation, and BIRWAST, a leader in plastic waste recycling. Together, they are implementing a multi-pronged strategy to enhance waste collection efficiency, reduce environmental harm, and generate employment—particularly for young residents—as waste collectors and drivers.

To kick off operations, key equipment has been distributed to field teams, including:

• Six wheelbarrows for efficient debris transport
• A dedicated tricycle for mobile waste collection
• 80 durable trash bags to streamline sorting
• Twelve rakes, gloves, shovels, and brooms for manual cleanup

The project’s core objectives include clearing plastic waste from drainage channels to mitigate flood risks, creating jobs for local youth, and transforming collected plastics into reusable materials through recycling. A vital component of ECO BOX is community engagement—collectors will educate residents on proper waste sorting and hygiene practices to cultivate lasting behavioral change.

The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to symbolize the project’s commencement, followed by the handover of the first collection tricycle to an agent tasked with patrolling Treichville’s streets for plastic waste.