Abuja, Nigeria – Ecobarter, an Abuja-based waste management company, has launched Nigeria’s first Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) designed and built entirely in the country. The machine, unveiled on Saturday, September 7, 2024, collects plastic bottles and beverage cans, counts them, and rewards users for their waste, marking a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s growing plastic pollution problem.
Rita Idehai, founder and CEO of Ecobarter, described the launch as a major breakthrough, highlighting the machine’s potential to bring positive change. “The RVM is not new technology; it’s been in Europe for years, but bringing it here and making it on the continent is huge,” she said.
The machine offers users various incentives, including printing receipts, transferring money to mobile wallets, or making direct bank transfers. Idehai stressed that plastic pollution in Nigeria is a well-known issue, with clogged drainages and littered streets a common sight. One of the biggest obstacles has been the lack of access to recycling facilities. “Now, with this machine, people can easily recycle and earn money for their waste,” she explained.
Onlookers at the event expressed enthusiasm for the new machine. “People came by, saw what we were doing, and asked how they could participate. Some said they would have brought their plastics if they had known earlier,” Idehai shared.
Looking ahead, Idehai called for government and stakeholder involvement to expand the initiative. She pointed to the need for funding and policy support to encourage recycling nationwide. “We started small, but we need more investment and partnerships, especially with government agencies like the National Orientation Agency, to raise awareness and scale up production,” she said.
The machine’s success, Idehai added, hinges on support from various sectors and increased public participation.
