Dare Babalola
In a groundbreaking move, FREEE Recycle, a leading tyre waste recycling and rubber manufacturing company, has announced a strategic partnership with DeSpray Environmental, a global leader in aerosol recycling technology.
This collaboration aims to establish Nigeria’s first dedicated Aerosol Recycling Plant, marking a significant milestone in the country’s waste management capabilities.
The partnership will see the development of a state-of-the-art Aerosol Recycling Plant at FREEE Recycle’s Integrated Recycling and Manufacturing Facility in Ibadan. This facility will enable the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible processing of aerosol waste, a hazardous stream that currently lacks industrial-scale recycling infrastructure in Nigeria.
By establishing this recycling plant, FREEE Recycle and DeSpray Environmental are advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This project will position Nigeria as a regional leader in advanced recycling technologies and contribute to the country’s national sustainability and climate commitments.
Ifedolapo Runsewe, Managing Director of FREEE Recycle, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering industrial-scale solutions that drive social impact, environmental justice, and economic inclusion.
“This partnership addresses the urgent challenges of hazardous waste by integrating DeSpray Environmental’s world-class recycling technology into our operations,” she said.
The partnership will create infrastructure for safe aerosol waste processing, raise public awareness about sustainable waste practices, and unlock new economic opportunities. The captured gases from the recycling unit are expected to be utilized for waste-to-energy solutions, such as creating electricity in a gas generator.
The collaboration also explores future opportunities for converting captured fuel into cooking fuel, reducing health risks associated with contaminated fuel sources. The term “Food fuel” will be used to reference the recovered aerosol waste propellant as a clean cooking fuel. Mike MacKay, Managing Director of DeSpray Environmental, expressed hope that this pioneering method will grow across Africa and beyond.
According to the Global Aerosol Recycling Association (GARA), over 16 billion aerosol cans are produced annually, yet less than 10% are recycled globally. Many are diverted to landfills or incinerators due to safety concerns. The establishment of Nigeria’s first aerosol recycling facility will directly address this challenge and position the country as a regional leader in hazardous waste recycling.
This partnership signals a transformative shift in Nigeria’s recycling landscape, redefining hazardous waste management in West Africa. By combining FREEE Recycle’s commitment to sustainable industrial solutions with DeSpray Environmental’s pioneering technology, this collaboration is poised to contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
The collaboration between FREEE Recycle and DeSpray Environmental marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s waste management capabilities. This collaboration has the potential to drive social impact, environmental justice, and economic inclusion, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in advanced recycling technologies. As the country moves forward, it is expected that this pioneering method will inspire similar initiatives across Africa and beyond.
