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Plastic recycling in Togo: how a small project makes a big difference
3/20/25Reading time:
Imagine you leave the house in the morning and there are plastic bags, empty bottles and packaging waste everywhere on the streets. For many people in Togo, this is part of everyday life. Plastic waste accumulates, is carelessly thrown away and pollutes the environment. But this is exactly where we come in. Since 2022, we have been working on turning plastic waste into a resource and inspiring people to protect the environment.
Our journey began in 2022 with small workshops: six groups learned how to make useful things from discarded plastic bags - from ropes and mats to decorative key rings. But over time, we realized that it was about more than just crafts. It's about awareness.
From idea to movement: A common change
Every big change starts with knowledge. That's why we focused on the educational aspect. Plastic is not just garbage - it is a material with value. If used correctly, it can even create livelihoods. Together with Trier University of Applied Sciences, we reflected on our experiences and developed our project further.
Then came the next step: a group of local volunteers was formed. They not only pass on our knowledge, but also bring in new perspectives. The name of our initiative speaks for itself: Miagboko - "Our environment is clean". We have been meeting regularly since October 2024 to hold training sessions and plan activities. The aim? To make people aware of their own responsibility and show that small changes can have a big impact.
Novissikomé: a model district for the future
We deliberately chose a district in which to work specifically: Novissikomé. Here we are implementing a simple but effective waste separation system. We start in households, work with local groups and network with churches, bars and sports clubs. Because sustainable change can only be achieved if many people join in.
Our campaign at a secondary school was a particular success: "Zero Sachets au Collège Protestant". Thanks to a committed teacher, we were able to actively involve pupils, organize collection campaigns and raise awareness of waste avoidance in the long term. Children and young people are our future - if they understand why environmental protection is important, they will carry this attitude into their families.
Challenges? There are! But we have a plan.
Not everything runs smoothly. Many people are skeptical: why separate waste if the disposal system doesn't work? The answer: because it has to start somewhere. We focus on simple, directly implementable measures. For example:
- Collect metal waste selectively and pass it on to local collectors.
- Reusing or processing plastic bags.
- Raising awareness of alternatives such as reusable containers.
And so that it doesn't just remain theory, we have launched Eco Jogging. Once a month, we go running together and collect waste. Exercise meets environmental protection - and suddenly it's fun to campaign for a clean city.
What's next?
One of our next milestones is an appearance on local radio. We want to reach the whole of Kpalimé and inspire people to take action themselves. At the same time, we are working on a long-term solution: a shredder machine for plastic. It would be the first in the city and could turn plastic waste into valuable granulate. This would not only help the environment, but also create jobs.
We know that Behavioral changes take time. But we are already seeing progress. People who have been resigned for years are finding new hope. The first households are joining in. The first young people are getting involved. The first step has been taken.
And that shows us that every action, no matter how small, counts.
