“Operation Sanity is about more than waste – it’s about dignity, health and opportunity”

A team of waste management experts from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) have travelled to The Gambia with international development charity WasteAid to support Operation Sanity – a collaborative waste management and circular economy initiative with Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).

The Operation Sanity initiative is designed to stop littering and the improper disposal of harmful waste, improving public sanitation by educating residents about the importance of clean environments and encouraging them to abide by local bylaws.

The technical support visit is designed to include site assessments, workshops with frontline waste management teams, and strategic planning sessions with the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network. The visit aims to strengthen local capacity, share practical expertise, and co-develop solutions to some of the region’s most pressing sanitation challenges.

Ceris Turner-Bailes, Chief Executive of WasteAid, said: “This visit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with CIWM. Operation Sanity is about more than waste – it’s about dignity, health and opportunity. By bringing together technical expertise and local knowledge, we are building a cleaner, safer future for the people of the Greater Banjul Area.”

CIWM’s Chief Executive, Sarah Poulter, added: “At CIWM, we believe in sharing knowledge to create a world beyond waste. Our members are proud to stand alongside WasteAid and KMC, supporting community-led efforts to strengthen sustainable waste systems in The Gambia. This visit demonstrates the power of international collaboration in turning ambition into action.”

Follow WasteAid’s social media channels for updates from the ground throughout the week during this exciting collaborative climate-positive visit.

In 2024 alone, WasteAid’s programmes reached nearly 1.3 million people, diverted over 300,000 kilograms of waste from the environment and delivered more than 7,800 hours of training. WasteAid’s work positively engages communities to improve public health through better waste management.

WasteAid and CIWM aim to scale these successes and contribute to a replicable model for circular economy development in low-resource settings.

This World Environment Day, WasteAid teamed up with the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) and Thembisile Hani District Municipality to celebrate environmental action in South Africa.

Under the global theme #BeatPlasticPollution, the event called on communities to rethink plastic use and take action to refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The day kicked off with a community clean-up in Delmas and a lively environmental awareness session that brought together waste reclaimers, government officials, traditional leaders, NGOs, and local residents.

Among the distinguished guests were DARDLEA MEC Ms. Nompumelelo Hlophe, the Acting Executive Mayor of Nkangala District, and the Executive Mayor of Victor Khanye Local Municipality.

Speaking to the crowd, MEC Hlophe gave a powerful call to action:

“No one will do it for us. We must do it ourselves. Let’s declare war on this enemy called plastic pollution.”

She reminded the community that tackling plastic waste starts at home — in our living spaces, schools, clinics, and public areas. She also praised the tireless efforts of Community-Based Organisations, NGOs, informal waste pickers, and the often-unsung heroes of the Zonda Insila Programme (ZIP).

WasteAid and local collectors were proud to receive certificates of appreciation for our partnership with government stakeholders and our commitment to improving waste management in Mpumalanga. We’re honoured by DARDLEA’s recognition and support.

As part of the day, WasteAid ran a hands-on plastics awareness demo — showing which plastics can be recycled and how community members can help reduce dumping and burning. By supporting informal sector waste workers, we can all help keep the environment clean and support local livelihoods.

Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution — one piece of waste at a time.

WasteAid is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Veralto, a global leader in essential technology solutions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to tackle the global waste crisis and promote circular economy innovation.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision and Purpose

Veralto, whose core purpose is Safeguarding the World’s Most Vital Resources™, has generously confirmed a contribution of $300,000 (£237,000) towards the delivery of our First Step Resource Management Programme in 2025 – the funding will predominantly support WasteAid’s work in The Gambia, with some funds also directed to programmes in South Africa.

Transforming Lives and Communities

The partnership will focus on expanding an effective resource management programme in the Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia. The initiative aims to:

• Increase incomes for informal plastic waste collectors, providing them with new economic opportunities.
• Improve social conditions for those working within the informal waste sector.
• Reduce plastic pollution by minimising the amount of waste casually discarded or dumped in communities.

A dedicated portion of Veralto’s contribution will also fuel the First Step Resource Management Programme in South Africa, extending the impact of our collaborative efforts in areas where waste management challenges are acute.

Creating Meaningful Change

“Our partnership with Veralto represents more than just financial support, it embodies a shared commitment to create sustainable, positive change for communities on the front line of the waste crisis,” said Ceris Turner-Bailes, WasteAid CEO. “Together, we will empower local communities to reclaim value from waste, reduce environmental degradation, and improve public health outcomes. This collaboration not only aligns with Veralto’s strategic objectives of advancing environmental solutions and fostering sustainability but also amplifies WasteAid’s longstanding mission to drive circular economy innovation.”

“Every day, the nearly 17,000 associates at Veralto develop technologies and solutions to ensure billions of people around the world have access to clean water, safe food and trusted essential goods,” said Surekha Trivedi, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability at Veralto. “Our partnership with WasteAid – through the good they do in addressing the global waste crisis and promoting circularity – is a natural extension of our commitment to global sustainability.”

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

As WasteAid continues to work with governments, municipalities, businesses, and community-based organisations, this partnership comes at a pivotal time. With the launch of the First Step Resource Management Programme in 2025, we will:

• Showcase the tangible benefits of integrated waste management solutions.
• Inspire global action against the pervasive waste crisis.
• Engage Veralto’s staff and stakeholders in our collaborative efforts to deliver impactful projects around the globe.

This partnership is set to deliver transformative change for the informal waste sector in The Gambia and South Africa, setting the stage for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

Together, WasteAid and Veralto are delivering hope and opportunity where it is needed most, empowering communities to transform waste into wealth and championing a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

On 18th March 2025, the Fairway Hotel Kampala buzzed with energy as 28 determined Wastepreneurs took centre stage at the Uganda Wastepreneur Challenge Pitch Day. This inspiring event marked the culmination of a 15-week intensive training and mentoring programme, delivered by WasteAid in partnership with Bunzl Plc. The Wastepreneur Programme is designed to empower local female and youth waste entrepreneurs, turning waste recovery into thriving micro-businesses that boost local incomes and enhance community well-being.

A Transformational Journey

Participants were divided into three groups: Recyclers, Collectors, and Waste Pickers – each category showcasing innovative ideas to address local waste management challenges. From transforming PET waste into eco-friendly sewing threads to converting organic waste into biogas for cleaner cooking fuel, the Wastepreneur Programme has provided these individuals with the tools and confidence to turn everyday challenges into sustainable business opportunities.

Hellen Munyasa, a recycler and founder of Helton Traders, demonstrated her ingenuity by repurposing plastic waste into eco sewing threads. Drawing on a decade of experience in the textile industry, Hellen identified a market gap: Uganda imports 200 tons of sewing threads annually despite having a thriving network of over 1,000 textile traders. Her locally produced alternative not only reduces dependence on imports but also creates green jobs in her community.

Eco sewing thread, developed by Hellen Munyasa

Similarly, Amanda Natukunda, another standout recycler, has ventured into the production of biogas from organic waste. Motivated by personal experiences with the health hazards of traditional cooking fuels, Amanda’s eco-friendly model offers a cleaner and more sustainable energy source for families. Her vision to scale production through new machinery highlights the tangible impact of the programme’s training and mentoring support.

Amanda Natukunda demonstrates her eco-friendly biogas.

Building Community and Creating Opportunities

The impact of the Wastepreneur Programme extends far beyond business metrics. Nalongo Birungi Eva Nantongo, a collector and single mother of eight, has transformed her life through waste management. Once facing significant hardship upon returning to Uganda, she now not only supports her family but is also investing in her children’s education, proving that waste recovery can be a pathway out of poverty.

Collectors like Ali Kisano and Ibrahim Senono have also embraced the opportunity to formalise and scale their operations. Whether it’s through enhancing safety measures for waste collection from polluted water sources or improving storage and transport infrastructure, these entrepreneurs are creating models that demonstrate both economic resilience and community impact.

Ibrahim Senono with his mentor Moses Angeny.

Waste Pickers, too, are experiencing a renaissance. For instance, Sekulya Swaif has taken his humble beginnings in waste collection and expanded his business into producing alternative proteins from organic waste through Black Soldier Fly farming. His innovative approach is paving the way for more sustainable local food production. Agnes Sekibowa, a 50-year-old mother of five, is steadily growing her business despite the physical challenges that come with waste picking as an aging woman.

Voices of Optimism and Change

The Pitch Day was the culmination of months of training and mentoring, giving participants the chance to show just how far they have come in their journey. Joel Mwesigye, Project Coordinator at Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA), observed, “This is the first time we’ve seen waste pickers in Uganda articulate viable business ideas in such a professional and impactful way. These are no longer informal workers—they are indeed wastepreneurs!” Claire Kagga, Sustainability Expert, noted the high calibre of the pitches, while Betty Kaddu, MD of Best of Waste Ltd, expressed her optimism: “Seeing this level of preparation and passion gives me hope. WasteAid and Bunzl have created a platform that has harnessed a transformation.”

Looking Ahead

As the Wastepreneur Programme progresses into its next phase—with plans for distributing seed funding through equipment, infrastructure and continued support—the impact on local communities becomes ever clearer. The journey from waste pickers to Wastepreneurs is not only transforming individual lives but is also forging a path towards a robust circular economy in Uganda.

WasteAid and its partners remain committed to nurturing these micro-businesses and scaling their success, ensuring that each step forward is a stride towards sustainable development and community resilience.

On Tuesday 21st January WasteAid, in collaboration with the Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC) and the Uganda Tailors Association (UTA), held a stakeholder consultation in Kampala. The event aimed to discuss and validate findings from research conducted into the second-hand clothing trade, centred around Owino Market, in Kampala, Uganda as part of the Uganda Circular Textiles Project.

The Uganda Circular Textiles Project, funded by UK International Development through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme, focuses on the identification, management, and innovative diversion and reuse options for second-hand clothing and other textile waste in Owino Market, Kampala. This initiative aims to reduce environmental impact, support local industries, and promote a more sustainable economy in Uganda.

During the consultation, attendees received a full briefing on the project’s objectives and key findings from the Owino Market study. The research highlighted the significant role of Owino Market in Uganda’s second-hand clothing trade, contributing to both economic growth and environmental challenges due to textile waste.

Key findings from the study include:

• Around 800,000 kg of waste is generated during the unbaling and sorting of second-hand clothing – representing up to 1% items from each bale opened.
• More than half of second-hand clothes traders are still left with items that cannot be sold, even with inventory management strategies – and these are typically disposed of as waste.
• Informal textile waste collectors work with formal waste collectors to manage the market’s waste. They collect up to 880,000 kgs of clean textile waste, primarily offcuts, per annum.

Read a summary of the report

Also on display was a range of products crafted from upcycled textile waste. These innovative items, created by UTA members, showcased the potential for waste textiles to be transformed into valuable products, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities.

The consultation attracted a diverse group of stakeholders reflecting the broad interest and support for advancing circular economy initiatives in Uganda. This included representatives from civil society organisations, the private sector, government bodies, and academia. Participants engaged in discussions, sharing their insights and experiences related to second-hand clothing management. Representatives from the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Project Management Agent of the SMEP Programme were also in attendance.

Following the validation of the research findings, WasteAid is pleased to announce the publication of the full report, “A Study of Textile Waste at Owino Market, Kampala.” This comprehensive document offers in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations to foster sustainable practices within Uganda’s textile sector.

Read the full report, A Study of Textile Waste at Owino Market, Kampala

The Uganda Circular Textiles Project is jointly implemented by WasteAid, MTAC and UTA. The consortium has been awarded a grant by the UK Government through UK International Development to address critical challenges within the second-hand clothing supply chain in Uganda. The grant has been provided through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution (SMEP) Programme. The SMEP Programme is funded by the UK Government and is implemented in partnership with UNCTAD. The grant has been awarded until 31st March 2026.

The Waste to Use Challenge, part of the Circular Economy Network project, has concluded with remarkable success, celebrating the pioneering efforts of green businesses in The Gambia. This challenge, designed to foster innovative circular waste solutions and create sustainable livelihoods, has awarded funding to three outstanding finalists.

The Circular Economy Network, known locally as Dennakuwo, and funded by the UK’s Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), aims to fast-track circular economy initiatives by supporting innovative green businesses with training and investment. Through the creation of a network of innovators, businesses, designers, environmental champions, corporates, and institutions, the network drives resource efficiency, and waste reduction measures by helping sustainable businesses to scale, helping to tackle the environmental impact of waste and create economic opportunities that support The Gambia’s green recovery.

Although there are innovation challenges around the world, the Waste to Use challenge is unique, none intervene at this level and in the countries WasteAid is present. With little access to traditional investment routes, this innovation challenge offers grassroots entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to access business training and mentoring that would otherwise be out of reach for them.

“The ‘Waste to Use Challenge is an important and exciting element of WasteAid’s CIWM-funded Project Dennakuwo. In many ways it is an embodiment of why we’ve been so passionate about supporting this project since 2022. The challenge helps Gambian entrepreneurs develop Gambian solutions to Gambian problems, pioneering ways to recover, reuse and divert waste from dump sites. It is a fantastic example of how nurturing innovation can lead to sustainable businesses that protect the world’s environment and resources for future generations – a truly circular economy. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. All of us at CIWM are incredibly proud of our partnership with WasteAid, and the work of the ever-growing Gambian Circular Economy Network to whom a big-thank you is due for their engagement with, and contributions to, the challenge.”

Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM

Celebrating Innovation and Sustainability

The Waste to Use Challenge finale took place at the Sunset Beach Hotel, where six innovative entrepreneurs presented their impactful solutions to tackle waste management challenges in The Gambia.

The event celebrated the participants’ entrepreneurial spirit and their dedication to mitigating climate change challenges while reducing waste. Judges, mentors, and stakeholders applauded the creative ideas and scalable solutions that promote resource recovery and sustainable practices.

The Winners

Three winners emerged from the finale, each will be awarded £4,000 in seed funding to scale their initiatives.

“As young entrepreneurs running a startup business, participating in the challenge has really boost our confidence and passion for waste recycling. The prize funds will now enable us implement our plans to manage and process organic waste into organic fertiliser for the wellbeing of our communities.”

Alfusainey Sey, Co-founder of NAACO

NAACO Enterprise

With over five years of experience, NAACO, co-founded by Alfusainey Sey and Fabakary Jammeh, transforms organic waste into high-quality compost for marginalised women farmers, providing them with affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers. They also train women in sustainable farming practices, creating jobs and improving agricultural productivity.

Sidrah Salam

Sidrah Salam, a consultancy firm, established four years ago, specialises in producing locally made machinery to enhance agricultural productivity. Founded by Musa Sillah, their innovation includes converting groundnut shell residue into nitrogen-rich powder, a key ingredient in compost production. The funding will help expand their operations and support local farmers in improving crop yields.

Yaw’s Creations

Yaw’s Creations, led by Awa Conateh, was recognised for their commitment to sustainable fashion. With nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, the business has pivoted to repurposing fabric waste and second-hand clothing into patchwork designs, rugs, and other products. The funding will enable them to scale up their sustainable production methods and promote textile recycling.

Recognition for Semi-Finalists

The remaining three semi-finalists, who all presented impressive pitches, will be given the opportunity to bid for small grants that will develop specific areas of their businesses.

Precious Plastics: Established in 2023, this social enterprise recycles plastic bottle caps and HDPE materials into home and office décor such as benches and keychains.

Señorita: Led by a young female entrepreneur, Señorita transforms used tires into fashionable home and office décor, combining environmental conservation with artistic innovation.

CASA Gambia: An NGO that proposed a six-month project to collect plastic waste from schools and neighbourhoods while raising environmental awareness among schoolchildren.

A Step Towards a Greener Future

The Waste to Use Challenge highlights the power of innovation in addressing critical waste issues. By nurturing these businesses and supporting the circular economy, WasteAid and CIWM are paving the way for a cleaner, greener future in The Gambia and beyond.

It is through the funding, encouragement and support of CIWM, and its members, that we were able to provide all finalists with mentoring and business training, through WasteAid’s Circular Economy Network, equipping them with the tools to create sustainable, impactful solutions.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists and express our gratitude to the Circular Economy Network members, mentors, and supporters who made this initiative a success.