Angola 
Botswana 
Namibia 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe 
Southern Africa is renowned for its extraordinary beauty – from sprawling savannas and towering baobabs to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. But even in this breathtaking region, plastic pollution has emerged as a pressing threat, endangering both wildlife and communities.
In response to this growing crisis, Ele-Collection has launched an ambitious initiative – not simply to manage plastic waste, but to eliminate it entirely. Their mission is grounded in the belief that environmental preservation and community empowerment go hand in hand.
Ele-Collection began with a clear and urgent goal: to clean up Victoria Falls City and its surrounding National Parks. Once this goal is achieved, the initiative will expand across the broader Kavango-Zambezi Region.
At its core, Ele-Collection is about more than just cleanup. It’s about circularity – taking discarded plastic from streets, rivers, and parks and transforming it into sustainable, durable products. This closed-loop approach not only reduces pollution but also generates economic value for local communities.
The initiative collaborates with grassroots organisations, local businesses, and passionate individuals to scale its impact. It’s a collective effort to tackle one of the region’s most urgent environmental challenges.
The idea for Ele-Collection emerged from a deeply personal moment in 2021. Following a series of tragic events – including the death of a local anti-poaching ranger and several elephant-related incidents – questions began to surface. Why were elephants becoming increasingly aggressive near human settlements?
An autopsy revealed the disturbing answer: elephants were ingesting large quantities of plastic while foraging near towns. The toxic waste was causing illness, confusion, and distress among the animals.
This revelation became a turning point. What began as a conversation soon transformed into action. With community support and a clear sense of urgency, Ele-Collection was born – driven by a powerful mission to prevent further harm and restore balance.
How Ele-Collection is Making a Difference
- Community-Wide Plastic Collection
Ele-Collection makes it easy for everyone – residents, businesses, and tourists – to responsibly dispose of plastic. Accessible collection points ensure waste is removed safely and efficiently. - Corporate & Residential Solutions
Tailored waste management services help households and businesses contribute directly to the cause, reducing their environmental footprint. - Turning Plastic into Opportunity
By offering payment per kilogram of plastic collected, Ele-Collection incentivizes clean-up efforts and creates income-generating opportunities for locals. - Dedicated Collection Teams
Targeting the most affected areas, Ele-Collection employs teams of community members – many from vulnerable backgrounds – to lead clean-up operations while earning a reliable income.
A Network of Changemakers
The success of Ele-Collection is deeply rooted in collaboration. Several key partners play a vital role in advancing the mission:
- Pristine Victoria Falls Society (PVFS): A grassroots clean-up movement, PVFS has provided unwavering support from the start.
- Zion City Foundation: A women-led initiative offering training and employment for vulnerable teenage girls. Many Ele-Collection team members hail from this foundation.
- Ele-Crew: Conservation experts working on the ground to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect local elephant populations, including maintenance of the city’s perimeter electric fence.
- Children in the Wilderness: Focused on environmental education, this program equips the next generation with knowledge and awareness, ensuring a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a local resident, a global traveller, a business owner, or an advocate for the environment, there’s a place for you in this story.
Join the movement. Turn the tide.
Watch the short film on Ele-Collection and Bushbottles CSR products
Learn more: www.elecollection.co
