Waste-Is-Naira: Rite Foods and RecyclePoints Launch EPR Initiative to Turn Plastic Waste into Grassroots Income

Rite Foods Limited partners with RecyclePoints on the W.I.N project, a waste-to-wealth initiative turning plastic bottles into cash for Lagos residents.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 8:50 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP News

Operationalizing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Rite Foods Limited has significantly advanced its sustainability agenda with the unveiling of the "Waste-Is-Naira" (W.I.N) initiative. Launched in Lagos on March 19, 2026, the programme is designed to embed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles directly into the company’s business model. By creating a structured system for the recovery and recycling of post-consumer packaging, Rite Foods is taking proactive responsibility for the entire lifecycle of its products. The initiative marks a transition from periodic coastal clean-ups to a permanent, inland recycling framework that encourages long-term behavioral change.

The Waste-to-Wealth Mechanism

The core of the W.I.N initiative is an incentive-based model that transforms environmental stewardship into tangible financial gain for Nigerians. Participants are issued specialized "Waste-Is-Naira" sack bags to facilitate waste segregation at the source. Once these bags are filled with used plastic bottles or beverage cans, they are taken to designated collection hubs. At these stations, materials are weighed and digitally logged to ensure transparency and traceability. Payments are then processed, providing a steady stream of income for households, waste pickers, and aggregators integrated into the value chain.

Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Support

The launch was attended by a broad coalition of environmental and industry stakeholders, signaling strong institutional backing. Key partners include: