WasteAid

WasteAid is an international non-governmental organisation that works in low and middle-income countries to implement environmental and economic development programmes, focusing on support to nascent green businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs. The work improves the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, promotes circular economy innovation and contributes to a cleaner and healthier future for all.

WasteAid promotes and shares locally appropriate, evidence based and inclusive practices, supporting and empowering others to take positive action. We partner with public, private and community-based organisations in countries where practices are harming the environment, economy and society.

WasteAid began working in South Africa in 2020 with the launch of the Circular Economy Network, a platform uniting industry, academia and waste practitioners to accelerate circular solutions. What started as an awareness initiative soon revealed a pressing need: supporting thousands of informal waste collectors to grow their micro-enterprises and become “Wastepreneurs” driving pollution reduction, job creation and circularity from the ground up.

Since then, WasteAid has focused on empowering those at the start of the waste value chain. Through a tailored training and mentorship programme, we help participants develop essential life skills and learn how to run viable waste businesses - from financial management to extracting value from different waste streams. Micro-grants for tools and equipment further enable them to work safely, confidently and profitably.Since then, WasteAid has focused on empowering those at the start of the waste value chain. Through a tailored training and mentorship programme, we help participants develop essential life skills and learn how to run viable waste businesses - from financial management to extracting value from different waste streams. Micro-grants for tools and equipment further enable them to work safely, confidently and profitably.