Transforming Waste, Empowering Communities

Did you know that 91% of the world’s plastic is not recycled? Waste, known as takataka in Swahili, is a big issue in Uganda. Because any existing recycling plant is nowhere remotely close to the areas that need that service, plastics are typically burned, buried, or littered.

Takataka Plastics is changing the narrative, one plastic bottle at a time. Takataka is a local project that transforms plastic waste in Uganda into quality, affordable construction materials, which simultaneously creates income opportunities for the marginalized and reduces environmental and health hazards where waste is currently burned or littered.

We have chosen to use Takataka tiles in our new staff accommodation block at New Hope Disability Center! Guylee (HHA Architect) visited their headquarters in Gulu, Uganda and met the founder of this transformative company.

“We’re changing people’s mindsets about plastic waste from untouchable, dirty ‘rubbish’ to a potential resource impacting their environment, and creating opportunities for healing for trauma survivors. ”

The tiles are environmentally friendly and affordable. Since Takataka fabricates their parts and assembles some of their machines in Uganda, their startup costs are 1/4 of the capital needed to import machinery from abroad. The tiles are made entirely from recycled PET plastic. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a durable and versatile plastic commonly used in beverage bottles and packaging.

We’re so excited about this opportunity to participate in Takataka’s mission and help create a brighter (and cleaner) future for Uganda.