Rundu, Namibia – Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia, in collaboration with local authorities, recyclers and the Recycling Namibia Forum (RNF), has launched the 2026 Recycling Heroes Project in Rundu and Ondangwa. This community-focused initiative aims to strengthen packaging collection and recycling practices while contributing to economic inclusion in two of Namibia’s growing towns.

The project forms part of CCBA’s broader efforts to support communities through practical solutions to shared local challenges. Implemented under CCBA’s economic inclusion programme, Recycling Heroes focuses on equipping women, youth and persons with disabilities with practical skills in waste collection and recycling, while connecting participants to formal recycling markets.

Rundu and Ondangwa continue to experience sustained population growth, placing increased pressure on existing waste management systems. The Recycling Heroes Project helps address this challenge by supporting the formalisation and upskilling of informal waste collectors and reclaimers, promoting safer working conditions, improved organisation and more reliable market access.

Through the project, 244 participants have received training in waste sorting, recycling practices, and safety. The initiative also supports the strengthening of local recycling value chains, particularly for PET plastics, by improving connections between waste collectors, recyclers and end markets.

“Recycling Heroes is about more than packaging collection,” said Ockert Jansen, Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Director at CCBA in Namibia. “It helps build skills, supports dignity of work and creates pathways for economic participation. By working alongside communities and stakeholders, we are helping to address packaging waste challenges while enabling people to participate more meaningfully in recycling activities.”

Funded by CCBA, and implemented by local authorities, recyclers and RNF, this collaborative approach ensures alignment with national recycling priorities and supports longer‑term outcomes through shared responsibility and local ownership.

“We seek greater value and impact by bringing stakeholders together across industry, government and society to address shared challenges,” added Ockert.

In addition to improving the organisation of collection activities, the project will establish a structured database of waste collectors, enabling more effective engagement, planning and data‑driven decision-making in the future.

While the primary focus of Recycling Heroes is on skills development and economic inclusion, the project is also expected to contribute indirectly to improved waste management outcomes in both Rundu and Oshakati through more coordinated collection and increased diversion of recyclable material from disposal.

The Recycling Heroes Project reflects CCBA’s ongoing commitment to support responsible packaging actions and inclusive economic participation in collaboration with communities and stakeholders across its markets in Namibia.