Sahara Foundation Unveils First Solar-Powered RVM Hub as Lagos Recycling Effort Accelerates

According to reports from the Sahara Group Foundation, a new solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) hub has been inaugurated in Lekki, Lagos, becoming the organization’s 16th community recycling site and the first to fully integrate clean energy into its operations. The Foundation said the facility is intended to boost community participation in recycling, expand access to waste-sorting technology, and improve environmental outcomes for residents.

It is reported that the Lekki hub combines solar energy, automated collection, and digital tracking tools, enabling households to deposit recyclables and receive incentives. The Foundation noted that the Go-Recycling Initiative has already collected more than 650 tonnes of materials and issued over ₦55 million in rewards to participating families, positively impacting more than 1,200 households across Lagos.

According to information shared by Vanguard News, the new facility was delivered in collaboration with Eco Barter, Asharami Synergy, and Sahara Group’s 2025 Graduate Management Trainee cohort. Project partners stated that the hub aims to make recycling more accessible while demonstrating the role of innovation in reducing waste and supporting community livelihoods.

Speaking during the commissioning, Sahara Group Foundation Director Chidilim Menakaya said the project reflects the organization’s broader sustainability vision, stating that “integrating clean energy solutions like the solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine, we are demonstrating how innovation can strengthen environmental responsibility while improving quality of life.” Sahara Group Executive Director Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka described the hub as a model for behavior change and community engagement, saying this hub “is not just collecting recyclables, it is inspiring new habits, creating economic value, and proving that cleaner, greener cities are possible when we all play our part.”

Industry analysts note that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader shift toward circular-economy solutions, driven by rising waste volumes, limited landfill capacity, and growing private-sector participation. Solar-powered RVMs are viewed as particularly suitable for regions with unstable grid supply, helping to reduce downtime and increase collection efficiency. If scaled across more communities, experts say such programmes could stimulate green jobs, support local economies, and help cities meet emerging sustainability targets.

The Foundation stated that it intends to expand the Go-Recycling Initiative to more locations within Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its long-term mission of building sustainable communities through EXTRApreneurship.

Source: Vanguard News

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The new Lekki hub demonstrates how clean-energy innovation and community participation are jointly steering Lagos toward a more circular and sustainable future.