TRASH TO DOLLARS: MALINDI YOUTHS RECYCLE TRASH INTO HIGH-VALUE EXPORT PRODUCTS

CREATIVE MALINDI YOUTHS EARN INCOME WHILE CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

A group of Malindi youths people have embraced environmental sustainability through a unique initiative that is changing lives both economically and ecologically, as the project is literally turning trash into dollars by making products from recycled waste into useful materials for export abroad.

In the heart of Malindi’s central business district, waste is not just waste but an opportunity. More than 20 youths have come together to transform discarded materials into income-generating products, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. Through partnerships with other companies, these youths have found purpose in plastics, tyres and old fabrics.

Winnie Peter being one of the beneficiaruy says that the job has transformed her life completely.

“I asked to be taught and that’s how I got started. I cut plastic into the required shapes, pierce holes and then crochet the design,” she said.

“This work has changed my life. Before this, I relied on my parents. Now I can take care of myself and even help my family,” she added.

Samson kahindi, a designer says the production process begins by collecting used plastic containers mostly oil cans which are cut, shaped, and stitched into designer handbags, shoes and jackets. These items are then sold in international markets, particularly in europe.

‘This job helps me with my personal expenses and also with family members at home,” Kahindi said.

“Once I joined MSO, I was trained on how to use plastic instead. Now my work is more environmentally friendly and has better market appeal,” he said.

Charo ngonyo , once a traditional beadwork artist has now embraced modern recycling as a source of livelihood crafting fashion from what many would consider trash but it is more durable and marketable

Chairperson of progress welfare association of malindi (pwam), kate mwikali added that the move has helped in creating jobs for the youth in recycling .

“Since we began these efforts, at least five companies have emerged in Malindi that now buy waste materials,” she said.

For them, cleaner streets mean more raw materials for the youth’s creativity and a cleaner, greener malindi.

“Our clean-ups are no longer just about tidying up the streets. They’ve become a pipeline for job creation. People now understand that what they once considered trash can earn them an income,” she said.

Finished products like handbags, shoes, and jackets are not just fashion items but are symbols of transformation, resilience, and hope for a generation finding solutions in unlikely places.from waste to wealth , these young innovators in malindi are living proof that with creativity and purpose, trash can become treasure.