UNDP-SGP Plastic Waste Management Project

In Monrovia alone, plastic waste accounts for 14% of all waste, with over 1.3 million kilograms generated daily.Shockingly, 84% of this waste is not properly managed. Our wetlands—from Lake Piso to Mesurado—are choking under the weight of plastic debris. These ecosystems are not just beautiful; they are vital for flood control, water purification, and biodiversity.[1] This project leverages the University Innovation Pod (Unipod)’s existing infrastructure, including an industrial plastic shredder and CNCL Community Engagement know-how to engage youth in plastic recycling and green entrepreneurship. By turning waste into valuable raw materials and products, the initiative addresses environmental degradation, supports job creation, and aligns with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda and global sustainability goals.

  [1] https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2025/04/30/clean-cities-bright-futures-accelerating-investment-and-reforms-in-solid-waste   

The objective is to reduce plastic waste and its pollution in order to conserve the environment (land and waters) and also to provide other economic empowerment through a sustainable, youth-led plastic waste management and recycling initiative, leveraging the technological capacity of the JV to promote environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and circular economy development. The project will provide technical and operational expertise, including conducting site assessment for the implementation of the project, selection and procurement of trash to implement the recycling process-from Trash to Treasure. Three major activities will define the project (I) To establish a functional and income-generating plastic waste processing system using UNIPOD s industrial plastic shredder to produce shredded PET for resale or further recycling into value-added products and pilot the production of at least six recycled plastic products, including plastic lumber, Eco-bricks/tiles, roofing tiles, flowerpots, crates, and 3D printing filaments.(II) To train and work with 16 community dwellers who will serve as mobilisers to promote community awareness and behaviour change on plastic waste disposal, recycling, and environmental stewardship through outreach campaigns, school visits, and social media engagement. (III)To collect and process at least 480 metric tons of post-consumer plastic waste from communities within the first Six months of implementation, thereby reducing environmental litter and plastic pollution. Four corresponding outputs are expected (i)Preparation and Infrastructure Setup to handle waste recycling ((ii) Community Engagement and Capacity Building (iii) Waste Collection and Product Development intervention locations identified and process. (iv) Startup Support & Exit Strategy develop for sustainability.

Through this intervention, the project aims to convert plastic waste from  public nuisance into a resource for value creation by training young Liberians in recycling technologies, supporting micro-enterprise development in the green economy, and promoting behavior change in waste disposal practices. This approach will not only address the growing environmental crisis but also contribute to reducing youth unemployment and enhancing community participation in sustainable development The local communities and leadership of these communities will form part of the integral team and work force consistent with Gender Equality. The project monitoring will focus on measuring project outputs against activities and specified targets through field observations and reporting of the changes against the baseline.