Africa (Commonwealth Union) _Nigeria’s ‘Freee Recycle’ is spearheading an innovative solution to the global crisis of over one billion end-of-life tyres generated annually. This staggering number contributes to the estimated four billion tyres currently occupying landfills and stockpiles worldwide. In Nigeria, however, ‘Freee Recycle’ has emerged as a beacon of change, effectively diminishing waste through tire recycling initiatives.
Since its establishment in 2018, Freee Recycle has transformed discarded tyres into a plethora of new products, ranging from paving bricks and floor tiles to flip flops. Notably, the company has successfully recycled over 400,000 tyres, making a significant impact on the nation’s waste reduction efforts.
The process involves meticulous tyre processing and grinding, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. These fragments are then combined with an adhesive, allowing skilled workers to craft a diverse array of products. Managing Director Ifedolapo Runsewe keenly notes the omnipresent issue of waste in Nigeria’s streets, urging a change in perspective through sustainable practices.
The versatility of tyres as a material for recycling is a cornerstone of Freee Recycle’s success. Rubber, steel, and fiber derived from tyres serve as valuable resources for the company, showcasing the multifaceted benefits of recycling such materials. Runsewe emphasizes the environmental friendliness of this approach, highlighting the value in repurposing materials that would otherwise contribute to pollution when discarded or incinerated.
Among Freee Recycle’s popular offerings is its rubber paving stone, a sustainable alternative that comes in sets of 40, priced at around $60. While the cost may be slightly higher than traditional counterparts, the extended shelf life of Freee’s products justifies the investment, according to the company.
These eco-friendly creations are not confined to a single locale; they have found their way into major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. However, challenges exist, such as the logistics of transporting raw materials to different sites. Bolanle Emmanuel, Oyo State Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, suggests replicating Freee Recycle’s model in various communities to streamline tyre crushing and material processing.
In addition to providing a tangible solution to waste reduction, Freee Recycle prides itself on contributing to a cleaner environment. The company claims to have prevented over 8,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its inception. Eid Zouki, a construction engineer, commends the company’s environmental consciousness and envisions a global shift towards sustainability, heralding the dawn of an era where repurposing materials becomes a norm, not just in Africa but worldwide.
