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Wecyclers Nigeria - Incentive-Based Recycling Program

Nigeria, West Africa

Wecyclers is a Lagos-based social enterprise that transformed waste management behavior in low-income communities through an innovative incentive-based model. Households receive points for every kilogram of separated recyclables, redeemable for electronics, household items, training, or cash. The company deploys cargo bikes and tricycles to navigate narrow streets in densely populated areas where municipal services are inadequate. The program has fundamentally shifted perceptions of waste from "trash" to "currency" - residents now proactively register as they see neighbors receive rewards. Wecyclers has created 80+ jobs and aims to sign up 1 million Lagos homes.

Behavior Goal

Transform perception of waste from trash to valuable resource; encourage household waste separation and recycling; create economic opportunities from waste in low-income communities

Methods & Approaches

Community Mobilization

Implementers & Partners

  • Wecyclers Corporation

Donors & Sponsors

  • Private investors
  • Social impact funds

Key Takeaways

  • 1Incentive-based model using points for recyclables drives behavior change
  • 2Direct financial benefits motivate households to participate
  • 3Accessible collection via cargo bikes overcomes infrastructure barriers
  • 4Social proof - neighbors seeing rewards - drives organic program growth
  • 5Framing waste as currency fundamentally shifts community mindset

Sources

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