Plastic Free July: How WasteAid is tackling the global plastic crisis

Plastic Free July has become a global movement, rallying communities to reduce single‑use plastics. At WasteAid, we are at the frontline of this mission working with some of the world’s most affected communities to create real, lasting solutions.

Far too often, low- and middle-income countries face grave plastic pollution due to limited waste infrastructure. Plastic clogs waterways, contaminates soil, or is burned openly—threatening health, livelihoods, and the environment.

WasteAid addresses this by:

1. Collaborative, community-first efforts: We work directly with informal waste collectors, social enterprises, educators, and policymakers. We want to build inclusive systems that empower communities to manage waste themselves.
2. Locally appropriate solutions: By tailoring solutions—like debris-collection programmes in Douala, Cameroon— we ensure initiatives meet local needs and conditions. In Douala, we’ve supported work to clear polluted streets and estuaries, reviving environments and community health.
3. Empowerment: Beyond cleaning up plastic, WasteAid creates sustainable livelihoods, promotes circular economy innovation, and advances public health—all while building local ownership.

Take, for example, the story of Amie – one of hundreds of waste collectors who have benefited from WasteAid’s programmes. She works hard every day collecting plastic waste from the beach and river in her fishing village, a short drive from Gambia’s capital city, Banjul.

Through her work with WasteAid’s Wastepreneur programme, Amie not only earns enough money to care for her family of 15, but she’s also making a difference in her community as part of a co-operative of waste collectors and inspiring people to responsibly dispose of their waste.

Plastic Free July inspires people to rethink their plastic habits—it’s an ideal moment to spotlight the global ripple effects of our actions. This month, rethink plastic and consider how you – either as an individual or a business – can support our work to turn plastic pollution into opportunity through teamwork, dignity, and long-term community power.

Together, we’re not just reducing plastic—we’re empowering communities to build healthier, more resilient futures.

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