In most major cities across the world, refuse dumps are a regular eyesore and recycling is almost always left in the hands of a few individuals. The average Nigerian still lacks proper waste disposal habits, and it is for this reason that WasteVest was born, to promote responsible waste management practices and reward users for recycling appropriately.
For this edition of Launchpad, we had a chat with Olabode Afurewaju, founder of WasteVest, who shares how he’s leveraging today’s rapidly evolving digital technologies to transform waste into sustainable materials, and create new pathways for environmental protection and societal progress.
What inspired the birth of WasteVest, and how has your journey promoted recycling and proper waste management?
It all started after the death of my dad, coupled with challenges from my previous workplace that eventually led to me losing my job. Although the idea of Wastevest had been hovering loosely in my mind long before then, like scattered crumbs of thought, I never gave it serious attention. That turning point, however, hit differently: it stirred something deep within me, sharpened my focus, and pushed me to pursue the idea wholeheartedly. Even before losing my job, I had shared my interest in the recycling system with Busayo, and we began working on it together. In the first month of Wastevest, the focus was on laying the foundation, building structures, strategising, and restrategising until we found our footing. By God’s grace, we have grown to where we are today. Another major factor fueling my passion was the discipline I developed while studying in Ghana; even when the idea was still subconscious, that discipline helped me leverage a programme that challenged us to impact our communities.
Why did you decide to focus on waste recycling specifically, considering the many challenges Nigeria faces?
I was beginning to see myself as that young man determined to finish what he started. Considering my background in journalism and community building, my personality naturally aligns with this kind of work. If you ask me, “Why waste and recycling?” it’s because I realised I was tired of only talking and writing about change. I wanted to build something tangible, something impactful.
This journey has also been a phase of self-discovery for me. I’ve learned to merge my personality, individual aspirations, and interests into one meaningful pursuit, and I genuinely love what I do. Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t have other ambitions, but at this phase of my life, this is what truly matters to me.
What problem in your community or city did you first notice that made you take action?
Definitely, the issue that first caught my attention was improper waste disposal. It’s striking how neat we are abroad, yet back home, waste management often falls apart. At the time I wanted to start WasteVest, I came across EcoBarter, and when I saw their training machine, I thought, “Why not reach out to someone at the company to organise capacity training for scavengers, so they could properly use the machine when collecting waste?”
Initially, I didn’t fully realise that some of these initiatives were already in progress, but my plan was to involve the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) in providing the necessary gear to improve waste collection. This led to a privileged meeting with Madam Sherifat, a key person at the Department of Solid Waste, who informed me about their ongoing collaboration with EcoBarter. That interaction helped lay the foundation for the strong relationship I now have with the board.
What’s WasteVest’s most impactful project, and how has it affected the community?
Our most impactful project is the current documentary series, which is tied around our 3 core services: waste recycling documentary, Resource recovery and consultancy services. With my passion for storytelling, I’m integrating waste documentaries to highlight source discovery and the recycling process.
We also provide a system where waste collectors can sell their materials back to us, which we then supply to recyclers. On our website, users can convert points or wallet funds into electricity units and find opportunities to participate in recycling. So far, these initiatives are helping shift public perception of waste while complementing ongoing efforts by other organisations to positively influence communities.
What innovative methods or technologies have you adopted in your recycling process?
Our innovative approach includes leveraging WhatsApp for communication and automating processes with the support of existing technology initiatives. We coordinate through a board, scheduling all waste pickups within designated areas efficiently. Additionally, our integration with Bi-Power allows users to convert points earned from recycling into electricity, effectively blending technology with community development.
How do you engage everyday citizens to participate in recycling and sustainability?
We currently run a LinkedIn newsletter called WasteVest Recycling Buddies”, which is published every Wednesday. Through this, we share tips and updates on sustainability and the circular economy, while actively engaging our audience through comments and discussions on the shared information.”
What partnerships or collaborations have been most crucial to scaling your impact?
Collaborating with the AEPB has been instrumental. Speaking on notable platforms, including media houses, has also amplified our impact. Our partnerships with other organisations, especially through joint projects, are gradually building a strong pipeline for steady growth. Additionally, our partnership with Bi Power has enabled us to build a dashboard where users can convert waste into electricity, further integrating sustainability with innovation.
What have been the biggest challenges in running a recycling-focused environmental solution in Nigeria?
The challenges are numerous, but it’s important to stay positive. Solving problems is never without obstacles, and obvious ones include financial constraints, policy issues, and navigating regulatory agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) and the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). E-waste entering Africa under the guise of second-hand appliances is silently creating environmental and social issues, and existing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives aren’t benefiting us, leaving us at a disadvantage.
Advocacy is also difficult, especially when government recognition is limited, making efforts sometimes feel like they’re going unseen. Funding remains a challenge, but at this stage of our startup, it hasn’t prevented us from taking action. As a founder, the workload can be overwhelming, yet the support I’ve received has been encouraging, especially compared to where we started.
What key lessons from working in recycling do you think the world should know?
One key lesson I’ve learned is that there’s significant technological potential in waste management. I recently saw a video of a sensor-powered waste bin that moves toward your hand as you throw away trash, a glimpse into the future of smart waste disposal. Locally, organisations like EcoBarter are doing remarkable work by repurposing waste. For example, a community I belong to houses an organisation that produces road flooring materials from plastic waste. We also need to explore advanced technologies like the ZEWAN HS103 MTRS machine, which converts waste into new products like tiles. Solutions like this could be adopted by governments or corporations to address the country’s waste challenges effectively. I believe it will only take a couple of years more before the world will need to start recycling a lot.
How has this journey changed your perspective on sustainability and environmental responsibility?
I must say, this journey has been truly eye-opening. Many of my friends now recognise my intentional commitment to WasteVest. Recently, while hanging out with friends at Millennium Park, they pointed out that I was leading by example when I stopped them from disposing of plastic bottles carelessly. Experiences like these have motivated me to remain responsible among my peers and avoid littering. They’ve also given me a clearer perspective: the need for recycling will only grow, and it must be done responsibly, or it will create significant problems for our lives in the future.
What does the future of WasteVest look like in the next 3–5 years?
Over the next 3–5 years, my focus is on how we, as a startup and organisation, can scale our impact in waste management. I am exploring ways to convert waste into higher-value products and achieve technological breakthroughs that improve waste solutions. During this period, I will also embark on further education that will equip me fully as an entrepreneur and a co-innovator in this field.
Any plans to expand operations beyond your current city?
For now, we’re focused on Abuja. If we expand, Lagos will likely be the next stop. Expansion requires careful planning, infrastructure development, and strategic positioning, and we’re taking our time to get it right.
How are you integrating technology such as data tracking or smart bins into your solutions?
Currently, we can provide valuable data on the number of people participating in recycling, which will support our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Paris Transparency Reporting (PTR) agreements both essential for environmental accountability. However, this will become more effective once the government implements proper taxation policies. Our plan is to ensure that every waste bin installed in households across the community is registered under the occupant’s name through our website, allowing for accurate data tracking and reporting.
What role do you think recycling can play in reshaping Nigeria’s economy and job market?
Recycling is a billion-dollar industry. With proper funding, WasteVest alone could employ at least 50 people, taking them off the streets. With other key players involved, the industry could expand further and even create opportunities for export.
If you could redesign Nigeria’s waste management system from scratch, what would it look like?
If I could redesign the system, I wouldn’t want to say too much just yet, I’m still learning. But perhaps we should wait until I’m appointed to the board of AEPB one day.
However, what I can say is that we need to start practising what we preach. Nigeria doesn’t lack information; what we lack is the will and vision to implement it. That’s one of our biggest challenges. We must integrate sustainability into our infrastructure right from the foundation and involve every key stakeholder responsible for the factors that impact our environment.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs aiming to solve environmental problems?
Keep climbing. Sometimes, we think we’ve reached the point where we’re meant to stop and focus, but the top of every mountain is only the beginning of another. As a young entrepreneur, keep climbing and innovating. Challenges will evolve, but so should your innovation. Stay curious, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward.
Finally, what legacy do you hope WasteVest will leave in Nigeria’s sustainability space?
I hope WasteVest becomes a lasting solution to Nigeria’s waste problem, particularly the issue of nylon bags and plastic pollution. My dream is to develop a small-scale machine that households can use to crush and resell plastic waste. If we achieve that, it would be a legacy of innovation that stands the test of time, transforming waste from a challenge into an opportunity.
