The 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 improve sustainable solid waste management in the city.
The initiative was highlighted during a visit by KCCA’s Deputy Executive Director, Benon Kigenyi, and the Authority’s Senior Management Team to the Wankoko Waste Recycling Facility, where they assessed its capacity and explored opportunities to expand its operations through collaboration with private sector players and development partners.
Speaking during the visit, Kigenyi said the proposed recycling plant is aimed at transforming plastic waste from an environmental challenge into an economic resource.
“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,” he said.
The proposed facility forms part of KCCA’s broader strategy to promote a circular economy by converting waste into valuable products. Under the initiative, plastic waste collected from across the city will be sorted, processed and recycled into products such as plastic tiles, with plans to diversify into other recycled construction materials as the project expands.
Originally established to process organic waste from city markets, the Wankoko Waste Recycling Facility has previously supported innovative initiatives, including black soldier fly production. KCCA now plans to repurpose and expand the existing infrastructure to support plastic recycling and other resource recovery projects.
The Authority says the project is expected to reduce plastic pollution while creating income-generating opportunities for households, waste collectors and community groups by providing a reliable market for plastic waste.
During the visit, the Senior Management Team also toured KCCA’s plant nursery at the facility, where trees, shrubs and ornamental flowers are propagated to support the city’s landscaping and greening programme.
KCCA says the planned recycling initiative reflects its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, innovative waste management solutions and partnerships that contribute to building a cleaner, smarter and more resilient Kampala.
