SOLIBRA launches ECO BOX project to clean Treichville and boost circular economy

On the occasion of World Plastic Bag Free Day, SOLIBRA unveiled its ECO BOX initiative in Treichville, a strategic move to tackle plastic pollution and foster sustainable waste management in one of Abidjan’s most waste-intensive districts.

Why Treichville was chosen for this groundbreaking project

The selection of Treichville wasn’t arbitrary. This bustling commune generates massive daily volumes of plastic waste that clog drainage systems and strain sanitation infrastructure. The ECO BOX initiative aims to convert these environmental liabilities into valuable resources through a structured collection and recycling system.

A collaborative effort to transform waste into opportunity

The project brings together SOLIBRA, the J’Adore Treichville Foundation, and BIRWAST—a specialist in plastic waste recycling. This partnership combines expertise in waste management, environmental conservation, and economic development to create tangible benefits for the community.

The initiative kicked off with the distribution of essential equipment to operational teams, including six wheelbarrows, a collection tricycle, 80 trash bags, twelve rakes, gloves, shovels, and traditional brooms, enabling immediate action.

Key objectives driving the ECO BOX project

• Unclogging drainage systems: Gradually eliminating plastic waste from stormwater channels to minimize flood risks in Treichville.
• Job creation: Employing local youth as waste collectors and drivers, offering stable income and professional experience.
• Plastic valorization: Processing collected plastics into reusable materials, supporting the circular economy.
• Community education: Training residents on proper waste sorting and hygiene practices to sustain long-term behavioral change.

Launch event marks a new chapter in urban cleanliness

The official kickoff ceremony featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting, followed by the handover of the first collection tricycle to a local agent. This tricycle will now traverse Treichville’s streets daily, collecting plastic waste and raising awareness through direct community engagement.

With ECO BOX, SOLIBRA is not just addressing a critical environmental challenge—it’s building a cleaner, more sustainable future for Treichville while empowering its residents economically and educationally.