- The solar-powered recycling hub in Onne recycles 90 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually into reusable products.
- Running fully on solar energy, the hub cuts 2,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions while creating new jobs.
Solar-powered recycling hub projects are gaining ground in Nigeria, and Rivers State now leads with the country’s first facility of this kind. Located in Onne, Eleme, the hub turns plastic waste into valuable resources while running entirely on renewable solar energy. This initiative shows how innovation can drive environmental sustainability and community development.
The hub was launched through a partnership between West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)–APM Terminals Nigeria and Garbage In, Value Out (GIVO) Africa. WACT emphasised that the project is more than waste management. It represents a promise of cleaner communities, greener opportunities, and lasting benefits for the host community.
According to WACT, the initiative reflects its commitment to building a greener environment while enhancing local livelihoods. By combining solar energy with recycling, the plant demonstrates how businesses and communities can thrive while reducing environmental impact.
The facility processes up to 300 kilograms of plastic waste daily, recycling nearly 90 metric tonnes annually into reusable products. Operating entirely on solar energy, it reduces carbon emissions by 2,000 metric tonnes each year. Additionally, the hub creates 15 direct jobs and 50 indirect employment opportunities, supporting the community’s economic growth.
Justin Okwuofu, Community Relations Manager at WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, said the idea followed a 2022 needs assessment that exposed blocked drainage systems caused by plastic waste. The team developed this recycling hub to transform waste into community value.
GIVO explained that the project goes beyond recycling. It focuses on zero-carbon solutions, job creation, education, and healthier communities. Together, WACT and GIVO aim to inspire more initiatives that link sustainability with innovation across Nigeria.