The Coca-Cola Foundation and its partners have announced the export of a container of baled post-consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic from Male, as part of the Sustainable Island Waste Management and Plastic Recycling Initiative.
Aligned with World Cleanup Day 2024, the event also included the handover of TCCF-funded infrastructure, such as pickups and balers, to the government-owned Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO).
This initiative, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), is a joint effort between the Maldives Ocean Plastics Alliance (MOPA) and WAMCO, aimed at improving PET collection and addressing plastic waste in the Maldives.
The project will export baled PET to Malaysia and China for recycling. While PET bottles were exported in the past, baling the waste enhances storage and transportation efficiency, marking a significant improvement in the process.
The primary goal of the TCCF-funded Island PET Collection Project is to establish a nationwide plastic recycling solution by building the necessary infrastructure and systems.
Currently, most waste in the Maldives is either disposed of or incinerated on K. Thilafushi industrial island. This project represents a shift towards more sustainable waste management practices.
The initiative focuses on expanding PET collection systems beyond Greater Male’, improving collection efficiency across the country until local recycling capacity is developed.
MOPA President Ahmed Maumoon commented, “This project is a pivotal moment in the Maldives’ fight against plastic waste. By educating communities and partnering with national organizations like WAMCO, we are enhancing today’s waste management while laying the foundation for long-term environmental sustainability.”
In collaboration with WAMCO, MOPA has rolled out community education programs and ensured that the TCCF-funded infrastructure, such as compactors and pickups, is effectively utilized across Greater Male’ and other islands.
WAMCO Managing Director Mujthaba Jaleel stated, “This initiative is a critical step toward improving plastic waste management and advancing recycling efforts in the Maldives. By providing islands with the necessary tools and infrastructure to collect and process PET waste, we are not only addressing the current plastic pollution problem but also building a foundation for a more sustainable future.”
WAMCO plays a crucial role in overseeing PET waste collection operations, ensuring the efficient handling of baling and export processes.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, added, “Our commitment to this project extends beyond waste collection. By supporting MOPA and WAMCO, we aim to foster sustainability in the Maldives and contribute to the development of a circular economy
