At WasteAid, we work with communities and policy makers in low and middle-income countries to implement waste management and recycling programmes. Our work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, supports grassroots entrepreneurs and promotes circular economy innovation contributing to a cleaner and healthier future for all. Waste management helps address some of the world’s most pressing issues and is critical to achieving sustainable development.

Welcome to WasteAid

1 in 3 people worldwide are forced to dump or burn their waste, causing disease, polluting the oceans, and contributing to the global climate crisis.

Our work improves livelihoods, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

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What We Do

WasteAid’s programmes tackle 4 major waste streams that have a significant and detrimental effect on people and planet in the countries where we work. We constantly strive to find new ways of tackling each of these waste streams and new areas of need that would benefit from WasteAid’s support.

Plastics

Organic

Textiles

Electronics (WEEE)

To tackle these issues, we promote and share locally-appropriate, evidence based, and inclusive waste management and recycling practices. We support communities and local structures to take positive action to support themselves.

Our 2022 & 2023 impact at a glance

Human Impact

1,366,458

People positively impacted in 2022 & 2023

Increased Infrastructure

1
New regional coordination structure convening formal & informal waste sector
66
New & strengthened recycling enterprises & waste management systems
13
Local authorities engaged

Livelihood Opportunities

77%
Of training participant with improved livelihoods
228
People in work

Increased Skills & Knowledge

195
Attended workshops & training to build their skills and self-confidence
228
Entrepreneurs completed business incubation training
1,588
Attended circular economy webinars, networking events & campaigns

Supporting innovation

87
Waste entrepreneurs supported through seed funding
1,100
Circular Economy Network members
£113,833
Invested in waste entrepreneurs
9
Challenge competitions

Latest News

Read more about Empowering rural South African youth with the John Lewis Partnership Foundation

News

Empowering rural South African youth with the John Lewis Partnership Foundation

 In December 2023, with support from the John Lewis Partnership Foundation’s Employability Fund, WasteAid started a project designed to create sustainable livelihoods for...

Read more about Take-off for innovative partnership between Lufthansa Group and WasteAid to tackle airline waste

News

Take-off for innovative partnership between Lufthansa Group and WasteAid to tackle airline waste

WasteAid, the UK-based environmental and development charity, has announced an innovative collaboration with Lufthansa Group to identify ways to reduce the amount of waste...

Read more about How our Waste-to-Use Challenge is fast-tracking circular economy innovation in The Gambia

News

How our Waste-to-Use Challenge is fast-tracking circular economy innovation in The Gambia

Imagine what can be achieved when you bring together over 200 people who share a common purpose of wanting to solve their country’s growing...

Read more about WasteAid launches largest-ever Ugandan study as part of textile re-use initiative

News

WasteAid launches largest-ever Ugandan study as part of textile re-use initiative

One of the most extensive studies ever undertaken into waste management in Uganda has been launched by WasteAid. We are leading two initiatives involving...

Read more about WasteAid’s 5 R’s of the circular economy

News

WasteAid’s 5 R’s of the circular economy

At WasteAid, we work with communities and policymakers in countries impacted by the global waste crisis to help them implement waste management and recycling...

Read more about WasteAid Invited to Speak at UN Conference Exploring Waste Crime

News

WasteAid Invited to Speak at UN Conference Exploring Waste Crime

WasteAid’s Director of Programmes, Michelle Wilson, joined experts from around the globe at a special UN conference in Geneva last month to explore the...

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