PRI collects plastics at Lugogo Cricket Oval during the FIFA World Cup trophy tour Viewing

Plastic Recycling Industries, a Subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Uganda collected 177 kilograms of plastic waste at Lugogo Cricket Oval on 6th March 2018 at the World Cup Trophy viewing session. This, at an average of 30 bottles per kg translates to 5310 bottles which links to about the same number of Ugandans who attended the Trophy Tour viewing and perhaps got an opportunity to take a picture with the most coveted sports icon. This is a %-age collection of about 0.1% of our 25% average monthly collection. Efforts such as these and more shall get us close to our 40% by 2019 collection target as CCBA Uganda.

A lady Collecting Plastic in Lugogo

As Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), driving the initiative to collect plastics and help conserve the environment is vital to the quality of life of all communities in Uganda. The philosophy behind Plastic Recycling Industries (PRI) is to take plastic waste out of the environment, reduce it, and re-use it as valuable products. While doing so, we not only protect the environment, but also create jobs for youth and women from underprivileged backgrounds who have found a livelihood in waste collection.

The Coca-Cola Company announced recently the new packaging strategy and recommitted a “World Without Waste” target where -WE COMMIT TO HELP COLLECT AND RECYCLE A BOTTLE OR CAN FOR EVERY ONE IT SELLS BY 2030.

Some of the Plastic Collected in Lugogo

In Uganda, we are committed to achieve the 100% collection target ahead of 2030.                  “At Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Uganda, we are cognizant of the fact that for a Country to have a successful recycling program, it takes collective effort of several stakeholders. On this note, I would like to appreciate our partners KCCA and Masaka Recycling Initiative in walking with us on this journey. Through PRI, we are ready to work with KCCA to put collection points at all public concerts and events going forward,” Conrad Van Niekerk, Managing Director Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Uganda. “As well, I would like to commend the team from PRI which includes Betty Kirabo, Absalom Adutu, Peter Olwenyi, Akello Angala, Sharon Biyinzika, Yuda Mukama, Annet Kwagala under the supervision of Farouk Balabyeki. These employees not only experienced the magical magnificence of the Trophy, but also exhibited the Company`s commitment to disposing plastic waste responsibly”, he added.

Lugogo Plastic Collection

Commenting about the culture of waste disposal, PRI Collection Officer Farouk Balabyeki said, “One of the biggest challenges we face today is the belief that somebody else will clean up after us. We are continuing to disseminate information about disposing plastic responsibly. We did it at Lugogo and we shall always do it”