Ex-Bus Driver Turns Plastic Waste into Millions

Said Issa abandoned his job as a public transport driver in Tanga to collect and recycle plastic waste, generating higher income, funding business expansion through municipal loans, and creating local employment, according to local recycling operators.

Transitioning From Public Transport to Plastic Recycling in Tanga

Said Issa parked his driving licence and quit working as a daladala driver after a friend encouraged him to enter the plastic waste sector. At the time, Said drove a commuter bus in Tanga City and questioned the economic viability of collecting discarded plastic bottles.

“My friend explained the importance of this business and its benefits. At first, I did not understand it well, but after researching and seeing the available opportunities, I decided to look for capital and join him,” Said states.

He now works with ZASMIBA, a group operating a small plastic recycling plant in Duga Ward, Tanga City. According to Said, his income has increased significantly compared to his former career driving public transport. The venture has also expanded his professional network. “When I was a driver, I only moved around Tanga City, but today I travel to different areas looking for markets and raw materials,” he explains.

Financing Plant Expansion Through Municipal Council Loans

The ZASMIBA recycling group launched with a small capital base before securing a Sh25 million loan through Tanga City Council’s 10 percent funding programme, according to group members. This financial injection allowed the business to scale up its daily operations and purchase plastic waste in much larger quantities.

“The funds helped us grow. Initially, we bought plastic in small quantities, but now we can buy it in tonnes. This has completely changed our business,” Said notes. The group actively encourages young people to explore municipal funding avenues, including the designated four percent allocation for youth, four percent for women, and two percent for people with disabilities.

Operational Capacity and Supply Chains in Duga Ward

The Duga Ward facility sources its raw materials from individual collectors and local collection centres known as Taka Banks spread across Tanga City. Once gathered, the facility processes the plastic into raw materials before shipping them to buyers in Dar es Salaam.

The plant processes between one and 1.5 tonnes of plastic daily. Operators limit continuous machinery use to prevent equipment failure. “We cannot operate the machine continuously for a long time because it may get damaged. The blades and bolts become very hot and can cause accidents if they break due to excessive rotation,” Said warns.

The five-member group plans to acquire a modern plastic washing machine to enhance product quality and increase revenue. The plant currently generates temporary employment for about 12 people.

Livelihoods and Economic Impact on Local Workers

Sifaeli Rajabu, a waste recycling worker with six years of experience at the facility, reports that the trade has fundamentally altered his personal circumstances. The income generated from processing roughly one tonne of plastic a day has allowed him to support his family.

“Many people may look down on us when they see us working with waste, but the truth is that this waste is what feeds us,” Rajabu says. His earnings have enabled him to fund his child’s education up to Form Four, purchase household furniture, and acquire a plot of land in Amboni on the outskirts of Tanga City to build a home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do recycling groups in Tanga secure funding?

Groups like ZASMIBA secure capital through municipal support, such as a Sh25 million loan obtained via Tanga City Council’s 10 percent funding programme.

Where does the processed plastic go?

After processing plastic waste into raw materials at the Duga Ward plant, the group sells the materials to buyers in Dar es Salaam.

How much plastic can the Tanga plant process daily?

According to plant operators, the facility processes between one and 1.5 tonnes of plastic daily, depending on machinery limitations and safety precautions.