The Flipflopi Toolkit
Recycling solutions for remote communities

Developing your concept

Starting a recycling business begins with an idea. This means identifying a problem, finding solutions, and creating a unique value proposition.

When developing your concept, consider these key questions:

Your location

  • Where will you set up your business?
  • How much plastic waste can you collect daily, weekly, or monthly?
  • Will seasonal weather affect collection?
  • Is the site accessible by road for transport?
  • Is there enough space for storage, machinery, and workshops?
  • Do you have electricity and water? If not, what are the costs?
  • Could your work disturb neighbours? How can you reduce this?
  • Can you get permits and approvals? How much will they cost?

Your plastic source

  • How will you collect and transport plastic? What are the costs?
  • Do you own a vehicle, or will you rent one? Have you planned for fuel, maintenance, and insurance?
  • How much plastic can your vehicle carry? Keep in mind that plastic is bulky, so actual loads may be smaller than weight limits allow.
  • Can you crush plastic before transport to carry more in one trip?
  • Can you plan collection routes to save fuel and time?

 

Plastic collected by the community and delivered by boat to the Flipflopi Project in Lamu Kenya
Two traditional Swahili style stoolks made from 100% recycled plastic at the Flipflopi Project in Lamu Kenya

Your product

  • What product will you sell? Its value must be higher than the cost of collecting plastic and making it.
  • Do you have skilled workers? What will they cost?
  • What type of plastic will you use? How much do you need per product?
  • Can you collect enough plastic to meet production needs?
  • What machinery and other materials will you need? Are they affordable and accessible?
  • What will your electricity and water costs be?
  • How will you price your product? It must cover collection, production, and indirect costs.
  • Can you add value through craftsmanship or unique design?

Your market

  • Are there competitors collecting plastic in your area?
  • Are there government incentives for recycling? Check with local councils or regulators.
  • Who are your target customers? Be specific (e.g., luxury hotels in Nairobi, Lamu, and Mombasa, not just “the hospitality industry”).
  • How will you promote, sell, and transport your product? What will it cost?
  • How does your product compare in price to similar products made from other materials?
  • What permits and registrations do you need? What will they cost?

Planning ahead for these key factors will help your business succeed.

 

All enterprises need to comply with certain legal and administrative requirements. You can use the table below as a checklist to track your compliance. Speak to your local council and trade officials to make sure you have considered everything you need.

Legal and administrative requirements  Description ✔️
Business Registration Ensure your business is legally registered with the appropriate authorities (LLC, Corporation, etc.).  
Permits and Licences Identify any required industry-specific permits or licences.  
Trademarks and Intellectual Property Protection Secure intellectual property rights for your brand, logo, and product designs.  
Contracts and Agreements Draft key legal documents, such as vendor agreements, partnership contracts, and employment contracts.  

Compliance Checklist

Flipflopi boat under wooden shelter

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