How bicycles help recycling in Lagos, Nigeria

In addition to providing a healthy life, move in bicycle has a positive impact on the environment by reducing CO2 emissions in urban transport.

A company has gone further in the use of the bicycle for sustainability, combining cycling with recycling. The project Wecyclers, started in 2012, has made bicycles not only reduce pollutant gas emissions, but also increase the waste collection and recycling in Nigeria.

Modified bicycles for efficient recycling

Wecyclers uses more than 75 people, of which 25 travel the streets of Lakes With specially modified bicycles. These bicycles have adapted trailers to collect directly from homes recyclable waste, such as plastics, glass and containers. This collection is made in the homes of the more than 6,500 families paid to the service, who accumulate points for each kilo of residues delivered, points that can be exchanged for food or other necessities.

The environmental impact of bicycles on recycling

Since its launch, the project has recycled more than 600 tons of garbage, preventing thousands of tons of waste from ending in landfills. In turn, it is estimated that this collection system can soon reach more than 1 million families throughout Nigeria, promoting the culture of recycling and reducing greenhouse gases. In this case, the bicycle Not only promotes sustainable transport, but it is also part of a key solution for Waste management.

The double contribution of the bicycle to the environment

Wecyclers demonstrates how the bicycle can fulfill a double environmental function: not only contributes to CO2 emission reduction, but also promotes recycling in urban areas with limited infrastructure. This project has become an inspiring example of how a simple change in the use of transport can have a great impact on the sustainability.