In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, clean energy adoption and job creation, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria, in partnership with Garbage In Value Out (GIVO), has launched a solar-powered recycling plant in its host community, Onne, Rivers state.

The facility is designed to recycle plastic waste into reusable products while harnessing renewable solar energy to power its operations in line with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) zero GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emission.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Daniella Sylva, said the facility is not only dear to the Onne Community, but also strongly aligns with the terminals’ drive to embrace more eco-friendly and sustainable means of operation. He said the partnership is aimed at supporting the Onne community in overcoming the daunting challenge of managing plastic waste.

Sylva stated that with the full operation of this recycling plant, the residents of Onne and neighbouring communities will have the opportunity to generate income by exchanging plastic waste for value.

The Community Relations Manager, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Justin Okwuofu, said the project was born as a result of a NEEDS assessment carried out in the community in 2022.

According to him, one of the challenges faced by the community is the problem of environmental degradation, as most of their drainage systems are littered with plastic waste.

“ We thought of a sustainable way to eradicate plastics from the drainage systems, and we had to think of a project that will help us to mop up all these plastic bottles in the society and community, and also convert them to something useful for the community,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Givo, Victor Boyle-Komolafe, highlighted the economic and environmental impact of the project, noting that the facility can do about 300 kilogrammes a day, which turns up to be about 90 metric tonnes a year.