The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is exploring partnerships to establish a modern plastic recycling facility that will convert plastic waste into value-added products, including plastic tiles and other construction materials, as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable solid waste management in the city.

The initiative was highlighted during a visit to the Wankoko Waste Recycling Facility on Monday by KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, who led the Authority's Senior Management Team (SMT) to assess the facility's capacity and explore opportunities for expanding its use through collaboration with private sector players and development partners.

The proposed recycling plant is part of KCCA's broader strategy to embrace innovative waste management solutions while advancing a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable resources.

Speaking during the visit, Kigenyi said the Authority aims to reposition plastic waste as an economic asset rather than an environmental challenge. "Our goal is to establish a sustainable recycling ecosystem where plastic waste is collected, processed and transformed into products with economic value. This presents an opportunity to improve environmental management, create livelihoods and keep Kampala cleaner," Kigenyi said.

Located in Kampala's Industrial Area, the Wankoko Waste Recycling Facility was initially developed to process organic waste from city markets and has previously supported initiatives such as black soldier fly production.

KCCA is now seeking to repurpose and expand the existing infrastructure to support plastic recycling and other resource recovery initiatives.

Under the proposed model, plastic waste collected from across the city will be sorted, processed and transformed into products such as plastic tiles, with plans to diversify into other recycled products as the facility expands.

The Authority says the initiative is expected to reduce plastic pollution while promoting value addition through recycling.

Once operational, the facility is expected to create economic opportunities for households, waste collectors and community groups by providing a market for plastic waste, turning what was previously considered an environmental nuisance into a source of income.

The Senior Management Team also toured KCCA's plant nursery at the facility, where trees, shrubs and ornamental flowers are propagated to support landscaping and the beautification of Kampala.

The planned recycling initiative underscores KCCA's commitment to environmental sustainability, innovative solid waste management and partnerships aimed at delivering practical solutions for a smart, resilient and livable Kampala.