As part of the partnership, Biffa says it will support WasteAid financially and offer its expertise to help communities in developing countries improve the management of waste.
According to WasteAid, 40% of the world’s waste – from homes, businesses, agriculture, hospitals and industry – is not collected or treated and as a result, “it is often dumped”.
The charity works with communities in developing countries to share practical and low-cost approaches to waste management and recycling. Its projects include teaching communities how to turn water bottles into eco bricks to build homes and schools, as well converting plastic bags into paving slabs which can be sold to local businesses.
Support
By partnering with WasteAid, Biffa said it will be able to bring financial support and its experience in addressing waste issues in the UK to areas with no previous access to waste management.
“We are proud to support WasteAid and share our expertise in parts of the world that urgently need to tackle the complex issue of how to manage waste in a sustainable manner.”
Michael Topham
Biffa
Commenting on the partnership, Michael Topham, chief executive at Biffa, said: “We are proud to support WasteAid and share our expertise in parts of the world that urgently need to tackle the complex issue of how to manage waste in a sustainable manner.
“Our financial and technical support will help WasteAid to expand its operations, providing more communities with much needed help as they seek to develop sustainable waste management practices.”
Zoë Lenkiewicz, head of programmes and engagement at WasteAid, added: “One in three people globally do not have a waste management service and have to burn or dump their waste, much of it ending up in the oceans. This transformational partnership with Biffa will mean that together we can help tackle the issues at the source of global waste pollution.”
Projects
Biffa said it has already supplied vital personal protection equipment (PPE) including safety boots, high visibility clothing, face masks and litter pickers to an existing WasteAid project in Gunjur, The Gambia, West Africa.
Future projects include working with the local community on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, East Africa, to collect, manage and recycle waste from where they work.
Biffa employees, customers and suppliers will also have the opportunity to get involved in fundraising for the company-wide partnership of supporting the work of WasteAid – both in the UK and overseas.
Subscribe for free