What was once regarded as rubbish is being transformed into a potential source of income in Beitbridge, where young entrepreneurs are recycling discarded plastic bottles into building bricks while helping address environmental pollution.
The youths collect PET bottles from communities, remove labels and lids, melt the plastic and mix it with river sand before moulding the mixture into bricks.
The initiative is providing an alternative use for plastic waste while helping divert bottles from storm drains, open spaces and other areas where they can contribute to environmental degradation.
One of the young entrepreneurs said the process begins with collecting, sorting and preparing the plastic waste.
“We pick plastic waste material, especially water and drinks bottles, and then remove the labels and lids because these are coloured and can influence the colour of our bricks.
“After that, we bring them together and melt them before mixing with sand to make bricks,” he said.
Another entrepreneur said the project was still in its early stages but had already attracted interest from potential customers.
“After collecting all our plastic waste, we bring it here and put it in this burner so that it melts. After melting, we collect the liquid and mix it with river sand to mould strong bricks.
“We are just starting and we are glad that most people have approached us looking for those bricks. We are very sure that once we start moulding in large numbers, it will change our economic fortunes,” he said.
The project is also contributing towards efforts to promote a circular economy, where waste materials are collected and processed into products that can be used again rather than being discarded.
Beitbridge Municipality Waste Management Supervisor, Oratile Makwaiba, said the initiative was helping to address waste management challenges while providing economic opportunities for young people.
“We are buying into zero tolerance of waste, and as these youths recycle, it also helps them to be economically empowered while at the same time cleaning the environment,” she said.
The support from municipality for recycling initiatives comes as local authorities continue to encourage communities and entrepreneurs to find productive uses for waste materials.
Zanu PF Youth League Chairperson for Beitbridge District, Albert Masiya, said the project demonstrated how young people could create livelihoods while contributing to environmental protection.
“What the youths are doing is good because besides being economically empowered, they help themselves get money. As the ruling party, Zanu PF, this is what we want to see our youths doing, empowering themselves,” he said.
The project highlights the potential for waste management transforming into an income-generating activity, particularly for young entrepreneurs willing to explore innovative approaches to recycling.
Turning plastic waste into construction materials could also reduce the volume of plastic ending up in the environment, while creating opportunities for small businesses involved in collection, processing and manufacturing.
The initiative comes as the Government promotes the conversion of waste into wealth and encourages young people to participate in circular economy enterprises.
Through such initiatives, discarded materials are being viewed not only as an environmental challenge but also as potential inputs for new businesses and income-generating activities.
