Money from waste

1500 refugee women in Dadaab refugee camp made Ksh. 4.5 million (USD 56,250) from waste in a period of twelve months during 2000/2001. In the process, they mopped 80 metric tons of plastic waste paper from the environment, earned an average disposable income of Kshs. 250 per head per month, acquired life-time skills in weaving and waste recycling, and introduced durable, yet relatively cheap shelter and housing material into the rural and peri-urban market segments. Perhaps of even greater importance, their attitude to waste has changed forever. And many have learned lifelong skills that they will carry along with them back to their home countries.