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Summary Section

Problem Statement: Inadequate Plastic Waste Management

The lack of an adequate plastic waste management system in Hulene, Maputo, has led to severe environmental and public health risks. With no widespread education on proper waste disposal, plastic waste accumulates in open dumps, contaminating water sources and degrading sanitation. These dumps serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and dengue fever among residents.

This issue disproportionately affects the Hulene community, particularly women, youth, and informal waste collectors, who rely on waste collection for their livelihoods yet face hazardous conditions. Additionally, plastic pollution disrupts natural habitats and local wildlife, further worsening the environmental impact.

Without urgent action, these challenges will continue to harm both public health and the ecosystem, making sustainable development in the region increasingly difficult.

Figure 1: Figure showing annual waste generation in sub-sahara african countries

Solution Summary

Our solution tackles plastic waste mismanagement in Hulene by implementing a community-driven recycling system that is socially inclusive, financially viable, and environmentally sustainable.

Education & Awareness (SDG 4)– We will conduct educational programs to teach the community about plastic recycling and proper waste disposal in their native language.
Accessible Collection Points – Strategically placed trash bins will encourage residents to separate and dispose of plastic waste responsibly.
Waste Collection & Recycling (SDG 11) – Collected plastic waste will be sent to a recycling manufacturing facility in Maputo, creating stable jobs—especially for women (SDG 5) and informal waste collectors.
Upcycling Plastic Waste (SDG 11) - Collected plastic waste such as PE, PS and PP will be reused in road infrastructure (SDG 9), creating jobs while also creating more reliable physical infrastructure for traveling and transporting waste.