Human resources

A well-run facility needs both an operations team and an administrative team to ensure smooth recovery and recycling processes.

These teams oversee:

• Health and safety compliance.
• Production schedules and efficiency.
• Procurement of materials and parts.
• Data collection and reporting.
• Development of efficient working structures.
• Compliance with national laws and regulations.

Choosing the right team

• Look for experience and expertise in different areas.
• Provide opportunities for hardworking individuals who may not have formal qualifications or prior industry experience.

One of Flipflopi’s key strengths has been investing in team growth, ensuring equal opportunities in work and leadership, regardless of gender, tribe, age, education level, or disability.

Expertise needed

To run an efficient plastic recovery and recycling operation, you need a team with specialised roles for both material recovery and material recycling.

Material Recovery Team (collecting and sorting plastic)

• Community coordinator – Engages with the community, organises collections, and educates people on sorting.
• Recovery team:
  • Driver – Operates transport for plastic collection.
  • Loader – Helps load and unload collected plastic.
• Sorters – Separate plastic by type and colour for processing.

Material Recycling Team (processing plastic into new products)

• Machinery operators – Run the crushing, baling, agglomerating, extrusion, and moulding machines.
• Workshop manager – Oversees production schedules, equipment maintenance, and quality control.

Beyond the material recovery and recycling teams, you will need key support roles to manage finances, staff, safety, and operations.

Key support roles

• Bookkeeper/Finance Officer – Manages budgets, payments, and financial reporting.
• Human Resource Officer – Handles staff recruitment, training, and welfare.
• Health & Safety Officer – Ensures safety protocols are followed and minimises workplace risks.
• Security Officer – Protects materials, equipment, and the site.
• Operations Coordinator/General Manager – Oversees day-to-day activities and ensures all departments work together smoothly.

In a small organisation, some roles can be combined, but it is important that all team members work together to maintain safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Additional specialised and continuous training

Safeguarding – Organisations must ensure that their staff, operations, and programmes do no harm to children or adults, and do not expose them to abuse or exploitation. (Recommended course: Safeguarding Essentials from Kaya.)

Ethics policy – Training on ethical work practices, including transparency, accountability, and professional conduct.

Child labour and forced labour awareness – Ensuring compliance with labour laws and preventing exploitation in any part of the operation.

Licensing and Registration

Operational documents for recovery and recycling facilities

Many recovery and recycling facilities operate with minimal or no licensing, which can increase safety risks for staff and the surrounding community. It is important to ensure compliance with legal and safety requirements.

Below are some of the key operational documents we have. You should check what is required in your own country.

Essential licences and certificates

• Certificate of registration of a workplace (Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007) – Confirms that the facility meets workplace safety regulations.
• Installation test certificate (The Electric Power (Electrical Installation Work) Rules, 2006) – Certifies that electrical installations meet safety standards.
• Staff health certificates – Issued at the county level by a medical superintendent to ensure workers meet health requirements.
• Annual environmental audit report (National Environmental Management Authority) – A mandatory assessment of the facility’s environmental impact.
• Environmental impact assessment licence (National Environmental Management Authority) – Required for waste management operations to ensure they comply with environmental laws.
• Fire safety certificate – Confirms that the facility has fire safety equipment and measures in place.

Additional documents that may be required

• Tenancy agreements – If renting a site.
• Insurance policies – Covering staff, equipment, and liability risks.
• Data collection/research certificates – Required for any formal studies or data-gathering activities.

Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential documents that outline clear procedures for staff, consultants, and volunteers. They ensure consistent operations, safety, and compliance within the organisation.

Beyond internal use, SOPs are also important for external stakeholders, such as:

• Grant funders – SOPs show that the organisation is structured and well-managed.
• Government entities – They demonstrate compliance with regulations.
• Investors – SOPs indicate a stable and transparent operation.

Key SOPs in our organisation

We regularly review and update our SOPs to ensure they remain relevant. Some of the SOPs we have include:

Workforce and governance

• Casuals & consultants – Guidelines for hiring and managing temporary staff.
• Ethics policy – Ensures ethical behaviour in all operations.
• Fair working conditions – Protects workers’ rights and welfare.
• Forced labour policy – Prevents any form of coerced or exploitative labour.

Safeguarding and inclusion

• Safeguarding policy – Protects vulnerable individuals from harm.
• GESI policy (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) – Ensures an inclusive work environment.
• Safeguarding and child labour policy – Protects children from exploitation in any work activities.

Operational policies

• Code of conduct – Defines expected behaviour for all staff and volunteers.
• Risk management policy – Identifies and mitigates risks to operations.
• Health and safety policy – Ensures a safe working environment.
• Internet and email policy – Regulates workplace communication and data security.

Integrity and compliance

• Equal opportunities and valuing diversity – Promotes fairness and inclusion in hiring and operations.
• Conflict of interest policy – Prevents personal interests from affecting decision-making.
• Anti-bribery and corruption policy – Ensures financial and operational integrity.
• Whistleblowing policy – Provides a safe way for staff to report misconduct or concerns.

These SOPs help maintain order, accountability, and transparency in all aspects of our work. Templates are widely available online and can be adapted to fit specific organisational needs.