oc2much@yahoo.com1. Overview
Every day in Nigeria, millions of sachets of pure water are consumed, especially in schools, offices, and street markets. While this creates convenience for consumers, it also generates a huge amount of plastic waste. Most of these sachets are discarded carelessly, causing environmental hazards.
Instead of letting this plastic go to waste, you can collect and resell sachet water waste to recycling companies, turning garbage into profit. This business is not only environmentally impactful but also financially rewarding, with potential earnings of ₦150,000 monthly for a small-scale operation.
2. Market Opportunity
- Target customers: Recycling firms, plastic manufacturers, environmental NGOs.
- Trend: Increasing government and private interest in waste management.
- Competition: Minimal; most collectors are informal waste pickers.
- Growth potential: High, especially in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt where plastic waste is generated in large quantities.
By creating a structured collection system and partnering with recyclers, this business can scale to multiple neighborhoods, generating consistent cash flow.
3. Startup Cost Breakdown (₦)
| Item | Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collection bags & gloves | 10,000 | Durable bags for storage |
| Transport | 20,000 | Motorbike or small tricycle |
| Storage space | 10,000 | Garage, backyard, or rented shed |
| Branding & marketing | 5,000 | Flyers, posters, social media ads |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 | Cleaning, labeling, minor repairs |
| Total Startup Cost | ₅₀,000 |
Tip: You can start even smaller by walking through neighborhoods to collect sachets, lowering transport costs.
4. How to Earn ₦150,000 Monthly
- Collect 500–1000 kg of sachets per month from local vendors and homes.
- Sell to recycling companies at ₦300/kg, purchasing at ₦150/kg from individual collectors.
- Example: 1,000 kg × (₦300 – ₦150) = ₦150,000 profit per month
You can also negotiate bulk deals with schools, offices, and markets for regular weekly pickups, ensuring consistent income.
5. Step-by-Step Business Guide
- Survey your area: Identify high-consumption zones.
- Build a collection team: Recruit locals or friends for pick-ups.
- Set pricing: Offer 50–70% of resale value to collectors.
- Secure partnerships: Find recycling companies willing to buy.
- Advertise your service: Social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth.
- Monitor operations: Track collected weight, payments, and customer satisfaction.
6. Challenges & Tips
- Hygiene issues: Ensure proper gloves and handwashing stations.
- Consistency of supply: Partner with schools and offices to guarantee weekly volumes.
- Competition from informal collectors: Offer better prices and reliable pick-up schedules.
7. Profit Projection
| Metric | Value (₦) |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | 300,000 |
| Operating costs | 150,000 |
| Net monthly profit | 150,000 |
| Break-even timeline | 1 month |
| ROI first month | 300% |
Scaling to multiple areas or cities can multiply profits significantly.
8. Feasibility Verdict
Feasibility: High
- Low startup cost
- Strong local demand
- Easy to operate and scale
9. Conclusion
Sachet water waste collection is a hidden opportunity for Nigerians who want a business that combines environmental responsibility with financial reward. By partnering with recyclers and establishing a reliable collection network, you can earn ₦150,000 or more monthly with minimal overhead.
