Victoria Falls Recycling has made quite the impact in its first year of operation, collecting over 24 tonnes of waste for recycling. Nestled in Victoria Falls’ industrial area, this unassuming site may appear ordinary with its grey shed and piles of baled plastic bottles and cardboard. However, behind the scenes, something truly remarkable is happening.
Established in March 2018 by Africa Albida Tourism in collaboration with Greenline Africa, Victoria Falls Municipality, and PetrecoZim, Victoria Falls Recycling has been a driving force in the community. Coordinated by Charlene Hewat, the project has already collected 9.4 tonnes of paper and card, 8.8 tonnes of plastics, nearly 3 tonnes of glass, and various other materials.
The initiative focuses on collecting waste at the source, starting off with hotels, lodges, and restaurants before expanding to household collection in mid-2019. By working with waste collectors and promoting the mantra of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Victoria Falls Recycling has made significant strides in managing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Looking towards the future, Victoria Falls Recycling aims to promote upcycling and create products for tourists, such as handmade paper, furniture, and artifacts. With a dedicated team led by Blessing Ndlovu, the project has already garnered support from the community and is on track to becoming a pivotal player in waste management.
As the project prepares to move to a larger site, there is a need for additional materials and equipment. Those interested in supporting the cause can reach out to charlie@greenlineafrica.org for more information.
With a vision to make Victoria Falls a Clean and Green Town, Victoria Falls Recycling is setting the standard for sustainable practices in the region. As Charlene Hewat aptly puts it, together we can make a difference and pave the way for a cleaner and greener future in Victoria Falls.