244 trained in recycling project at Rundu, Ondangwa

A total of 244 people have been trained in waste collection, sorting and recycling practices under the 2026 Recycling Heroes Project launched at Rundu and Ondangwa.

The project, launched by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia in partnership with local authorities, recyclers and the Recycle Namibia Forum (RNF), aims to improve recycling while creating economic opportunities for waste collectors.

The 244 participants received training in waste sorting, recycling practices and workplace safety.

The programme mainly targets women, young people and people with disabilities, providing them with practical skills and helping them connect with formal recycling markets.

CCBA spokesperson Ockert Jansen says the initiative goes beyond collecting packaging waste.

“It helps build skills, supports dignity of work and creates pathways for economic participation. By working alongside communities and stakeholders, we are helping to address packaging waste challenges while enabling people to participate more meaningfully in recycling activities,” he says.

Rundu and Ondangwa have experienced population growth, which has increased pressure on their waste management systems.

Jansen says the project seeks to address some of these challenges by helping informal waste collectors and reclaimers become better organised and improve their skills.

It also aims to promote safer working conditions and give collectors more reliable access to recycling markets.

The initiative will strengthen local recycling chains, particularly for polyethylene terephthalate plastic, commonly used to make plastic beverage bottles.

Janses says this will be done by improving links between waste collectors, recycling companies and markets that use recyclable materials.

“We seek greater value and impact by bringing stakeholders together across industry, government and society to address shared challenges,” he says.

The project will also establish a database of waste collectors to help authorities and other stakeholders keep track of collectors and improve future planning and engagement.

Jansen says better organisation of waste collection could also result in more recyclable material being collected instead of being dumped at disposal sites.