Beyond Waste Enterprise: Combating plastic pollution, empowering communities, fostering a circular economy in Nairobi, Kenya.
We are a social-impact recycling company based in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to combating plastic pollution while uplifting disadvantaged communities. Founded on the belief that "waste is not the end, but a new beginning," we transform plastic trash into valuable resources.
By collecting discarded plastics and processing them into high-quality recycled flakes, Beyond Waste creates a sustainable supply of raw material for manufacturers and helps "turn off the plastics tap" at the source. Our dual mission supports global frameworks to stop plastic pollution and contributes to Kenya's national goals for waste management and marine litter prevention.
"Waste is not the end, but a new beginning."
We transform plastic trash into high-quality recycled flakes, creating sustainable supply chains while providing reliable incomes for women waste-pickers in Nairobi's informal settlements.
Beyond Waste operates at the intersection of environmental innovation and social change, strengthening livelihoods for marginalized families and creating safe jobs in the circular economy.
Nairobi, Kenya
100+ Women
Five core principles that drive our mission to transform plastic waste into opportunity
Collects and recycles plastic waste before it contaminates land and oceans, aligning with global efforts to end plastic pollution.
Provides safe jobs and income for women waste-pickers in Nairobi's slums, advancing gender empowerment and poverty reduction.
Supplies recycled plastic flakes to manufacturers, cutting reliance on virgin plastic and fostering a circular economy.
Operates a model recycling program in Kenya, offering best practices that can be replicated in other countries to manage plastic waste sustainably.
Prevents open burning and litter of plastic, reducing toxic pollution and health hazards in communities while creating a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
Measurable results in environmental protection and community empowerment
Our comprehensive four-step process transforms waste into opportunity
We buy plastic waste directly from women in Nairobi's informal settlements, injecting income into impoverished households. By compensating waste-pickers fairly, we incentivize cleanup and prevent marine litter.
Collected plastics are thoroughly washed to remove contaminants. Our workers are trained in proper sorting and cleaning techniques, ensuring quality standards.
Advanced grinding technology transforms plastic into high-quality flakes, saving up to 66% energy compared to virgin plastic production.
Our high-quality recycled flakes serve as eco-friendly alternatives to virgin plastic resin, supporting manufacturers in reducing their carbon footprint and creating market-driven demand for recycling.
Despite being a focused enterprise, Beyond Waste has significant on-the-ground impact in Nairobi's waste stream
2 tonnes of plastic waste processed daily
5 permanent staff + 10 casual laborers
Kangundo Road facility serving greater Nairobi
50+ women earning from waste collection
Financial literacy & collection method workshops
Doubling collector network by 2025
Nairobi generates an estimated 143,000+ tonnes of plastic waste annually. Our 730 tonnes per year represents a meaningful contribution to the city's recycling efforts, removing plastic that would otherwise pollute streets, block drainage systems, or harm marine ecosystems downstream.
To reduce plastic pollution in urban Nairobi while creating economic opportunities for underprivileged women through inclusive recycling.
To become a leading model in Africa for sustainable waste management through community-driven recycling solutions.
Building on our Nairobi success, we're scaling operations and replicating our model across East Africa
Increasing capacity from 2 to 5+ tonnes/day in the next 2-3 years, expanding to serve surrounding towns and regions.
Replicating our model in Uganda and Tanzania, supporting local entrepreneurs with training and equipment.
Developing solutions for harder-to-recycle plastics and creating value-added products like plastic lumber.
Establishing an Environmental Education Center for school groups and launching "Plastic-Free Schools" initiative.
Honored as "Clean City Champion 2024" by Nairobi County, Beyond Waste continues to gain recognition for pioneering work in sustainable waste management and community empowerment.
We actively participate in international conferences, sharing our success story to inspire policy changes and support inclusive recycling programs globally.
Transparent monitoring and evaluation ensure we deliver measurable results aligned with our mission
Regular quality tests on recycled flakes, safety protocol enforcement, and monthly worker training ensure consistent, safe operations.
Clear financial records with detailed reporting to donors, distinguishing revenue from flake sales and community investments.
Monthly community meetings, suggestion systems, and responsive complaint handling ensure our operations truly serve beneficiaries.
A visual journey through our plastic recycling operations, community impact, and environmental transformation
Operations Overview
Community Impact
Collection Process
Processing & Cleaning
Recycling Technology
Supply & Distribution
Social Impact
Environmental Impact