Ele Collection

Thank you to all our generous supporters so far! We have used the current contributions for an initial feasibility study, and technology research. We also know we are not alone in understanding how important this effort is.

 

We are now working towards raising the funds to purchase our first baler - we are halfway there currently, needing only $7,100 (or a further R135,000) to reach that target. When we purchase the Baler, we can start collecting plastic.

 

 

Ele Collection is on a mission to remove all plastic from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and protect the wildlife being affected by plastic waste. Led by co-founders: Simon Teede, Ben Norton and Rainer von Urff-Kaufeld. 

 

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Elephants are eating plastic waste from the Victoria Falls offical waste dump. Unusual erratic behaviour has contributed to incidents where human life has been lost. Ele Collection will address the issues that plastic is causing around Victoria Falls Waterfall by building a pilot plastic processing plant using a unique repurposing technology bring plastic back into the economy. When we are established in Victoria Falls, this idea will scale across the region. Our ambition is to remove plastic from the spectacular KAZA region — a combined conservation area which crosses five African countries and includes the Okavango Delta.

 
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Our story has a harrowing beginning: Simon and Larry Norton (Ben's dad) were attacked by a Bull Elephant, and only narrowly escaped with their lives. The elephant’s relentless charge was extremely unusual. We began to investigate what could cause such aggressive and out-of-character behaviour.
 
Only a week earlier, Clever Kapandura, Operations Coordinator of the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit, was killed by a similar raging bull elephant. Later, Another member of the Victoria Falls community was killed. The bull was sadly shot and an autopsy was performed. It was soon discovered that his intestines were packed full of plastic that he had eaten on the periphery of the city. He was in agony and lashing out. 

 
All the waste in Victoria Falls is brought to an open dump and the wild animals from the conservation areas eat from it every day. There is a global concern surfacing about Plastosis - the harmful effects of animals ingesting waste and being poisoned by microplastics.
 
There are several current efforts to prevent the elephants from feeding off the dump but our community can’t seem to slow the waves of trash that are entering the destination. We believe the only long-term solution is to remove all plastic and repurpose it, keeping it locked away for good. 
 
Victoria Falls hosts 800,000 tourists a year. The level of plastic that services them is substantial and growing. Tourism is vital to the livelihood of the Victoria Falls region. As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Zimbabweans are proud to share this incredible beauty with the world, however, we would like to return the destination to pristine condition after decades of damage. 
 
Ele-Collection will set up a processing plant that both recycles plastics by utilising a special technology that turns ALL plastic into building aggregate that can be used in buildings, roads and construction.
 
A study has shown that this technology processes the plastic WITHOUT producing microplastics or emissions. Most recyclers can only use about 30% of plastic waste; our technology allows us to absorb ALL PLASTICS! 
 
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We have found a solution that will process all types of plastic, while creating an income stream for Victoria Falls community members, with the goal of growing into a sustainable and scalable business. Ele-Collection will buy plastic from the community by the kilogram with the intention of creating a widespread community clean-up that brings an income to those that need it most. 
 
Our barrier? A USD $1,5 Million start-up hurdle - and a two-year timeline before the business will show a return. Our first step is to purchase a processing machine for $400,000. However, we want to start clearing plastic up now. Please consider supporting us on any level, every contribution will count so we can jump-start this journey.
 
This target might seem high but there are many people who care deeply about the plastic issue in Victoria Falls: Zimbabweans for whom the waterfall is part of our heritage, visitors who have shared in the wonder of the 'Mosi-oa-Tunya', all who understand the vital role of biodiversity and protecting these regions of wild for humanity and finally the animal that began this journey for us: the mighty African Elephant.
 
Please give Ele-Collection support — we won’t let you down.