Building a Circular Economy: FREEE Recycle’s Journey in Sustainable Tyre Management

Nigeria generates approximately 32 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, making it one of the highest waste-producing countries in Africa. Unfortunately, only a fraction of this waste is treated and disposed of properly, leading to a buildup of pollution and an uncalculated amount of waste recycling revenue lost annually. Amid Nigeria’s ongoing waste management challenges, FREEE Recycle is redefining how tyre waste can be transformed into valuable resources and contributing to the development of a sustainable circular economy.

FREEE Recycle is a pioneering force in Africa’s waste management sector, leading the charge in transforming waste tyres into valuable, eco-friendly products. With a commitment to both environmental sustainability and economic development, the company is reshaping how tyre waste is handled, reducing pollution while creating local jobs and driving the circular economy.

By tackling one of Africa’s most pressing environmental issues, FREEE Recycle is setting new standards for waste management and proving that sustainability can fuel growth and opportunity.

At the core of FREEE Recycle’s work is its innovative Integrated Recycling and Manufacturing (IRM) model, which was first piloted in Nigeria to address the growing issue of waste tyre disposal. Nigeria, like many African nations, faces the challenge of managing millions of waste tyres annually, contributing to environmental degradation and health risks.

FREEE Recycle’s solution fully utilizes all components of waste tyres, turning the rubber into eco-friendly products such as flooring and playground surfaces, while repurposing the fibre for fuel and recycling the steel for use in construction. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also adds significant economic value by creating sustainable products and contributing to the circular economy.

Since launching its operations in Nigeria, FREEE Recycle has recycled over 250,000 tyres, contributing significantly to the country’s waste reduction efforts while promoting job creation and local economic development. Through its commitment to sustainability, FREEE Recycle aligns with global SDG goals like responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and climate action (SDG 13), demonstrating the potential of the circular economy to drive both environmental and economic progress in Africa.

FREEE Recycle is not only addressing one of Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges but is also paving the way for a sustainable future across the continent. With its innovative approach to waste tyre management, the company is proving that sustainability can drive both environmental protection and economic empowerment. As FREEE Recycle continues to expand its operations, it is helping reshape waste management practices, create jobs, and contribute to the global push for a circular economy.