Over 5310 plastic bottles weighing about 177 kilogrammes was collected from Lugogo Cricket Oval after the just-concluded Uganda leg of the World Cup Trophy Tour.
Plastic Recycling Industries, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Uganda collected the plastic waste March 6, 2018 at the World Cup Trophy viewing session.
This, at an average of 30 bottles per kilogramme, translates into 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.
Meanwhile, according to CCBA, it targets a percentage collection of 40 by 2019.
‘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 company notes.
The Coca-Cola Company announced recently the new packaging strategy and recommitted a ‘World Without Waste’, where the company committed to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one it sells by 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, said.
Niekerk commended his team of 8 led by Farouk Balabyeki, for a job well-done.
“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.
Commenting about the culture of waste collection and disposal, PRI Collection Officer 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.”
