Onne hosts Nigeria’s first solar-powered recycling hub

WACT said this groundbreaking project is a promise of a cleaner, greener future for our host community

The first-ever solar-powered recycling plant has been launched in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria. This innovation was made possible through the partnership between West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)–APM Terminals Nigeria and Garbage In, Value Out (GIVO) Africa.

According to West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) – which is owned by APM Terminals Nigeria – the hub is set to transform waste management, create opportunities and build a greener future for the host community and beyond.

WACT said this groundbreaking project is a promise of a cleaner, greener future for its host community. “This initiative reflects WACT’s commitment to a greener environment and improving life for all. Together, we are building a future where businesses, communities, and the planet thrive side by side,” they said. 

The plant:

• Recycles approximately 300kg of plastic waste daily – about 90 metric tonnes annually into reusable products,
• Runs fully on renewable solar energy – reducing carbon emissions by 2,000 metric tonnes each year,
• Creates 15 direct jobs and 50 indirect employment opportunities, and
• Improves community health and environmental sustainability.

• Turning plastic waste into community value in Nigeria

  WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria’s Community Relations Manager Justin Okwuofu explained that the project stemmed from a 2022 community needs assessment. The study revealed serious environmental challenges, particularly drainage systems clogged with plastic waste. 

  To tackle this problem in a sustainable manner, he explained that the team developed the idea of a recycling plant to collect discarded plastic bottles and transform these into useful resources for the community.

  Weighing in on the project, GIVO stated that they were excited to drive impact through zero-carbon recycling, education, income generation and job creation, working hand in hand with communities to build healthier, more sustainable futures. 

“With this new center, we’re expanding our reach, making recycling more accessible, and deepening our impact across the country. We’re proud to partner with West Africa Container Terminal on this exciting new chapter.

“This is another proof that waste can be transformed into real value for a greener community, creating new opportunities for everyone.”

Cover photo:  West Africa Container Terminal/LinkedIn