Under the Project, every tonne of plastic waste collected from the environment generates one plastic credit. Additionally, every tonne of plastic waste that is recycled creates another plastic credit. It is possible to generate two plastic credits from the same tonne of environmental plastic waste that is collected, if it is collected and then recycled appropriately.

GreenCollar monitors project activities, accurately measuring the amount of plastic waste that is both removed from the environment and sent to a suitable end of life destination or removed from the environment and recycled. Each year under the project is referred to as a ‘monitoring period’.

At the end of each monitoring period, GreenCollar submits evidence to a third-party auditor showing how many tonnes of plastic have been collected and/or recycled, and how many credits have been generated as a result. Once this information has been verified by the auditor, results are then submitted to Verra to approve. Verra then issues Plastic Credits to GreenCollar, where they sit in a trading account before they are sold.

Each Plastic Credit has a unique identification number to allow it to be traced back to the Project. This ensures transparency, integrity and prevents any double counting.

To learn more, read Develop a Plastic Credit Project under Verra Plastic Program – a Quick Guide

Plastic Credits can be purchased by organisations who want to invest in the expansion of waste collection systems or recycling infrastructure, particularly in developing countries where these systems may not exist. This investment can help incentivise a functional circular economy.

Plastic Credits can also be used as an offset to reduce an organisation’s plastic footprint.

To learn more about purchasing plastic credits, contact GreenCollar or read 5 Things to Know about Plastic Credits.

The majority of proceeds from the sale of the Plastic Credits is distributed back to Environment360 for the expansion of the Project throughout other locations in Ghana.

All registered waste pickers undertake training to ensure they understand the type and quality of plastic waste that Environment360 will pay for. Any material that is collected and cannot be recycled is safety disposed of in a secure landfill.

The Project encompasses High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) such as milk bottles and shampoo bottles, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) including water sachets, shopping bags and squeeze bottles, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) such as water and soft drink bottles or plastic cups and Polypropene (PP), including ice cream and yogurt tubs for example.

Tema New Town and Dodowa in Southern Ghana. There are plans to expand the throughout Ghana, with the first expansion occurring in Kumasi.

• If you are a waste picker:

You can apply here to learn more about the registration process with Environment360, price per kg paid to pickers, operational hours, Protective Personal Equipment, the schedule for training and information sessions, or to arrange a visit to project locations. Alternatively contact Environment 360’s Operations Manager: Whatsapp +233 24 310 2558

• If you have feedback about the project, safeguard or labour concerns or would like to speak to our Feedback and Grievance contact:

Contact Rene Dogbe: Whatsapp: +233 50 787 7887

• If you would like to enquire about monitoring and reporting mechanics, access a copy of the Project Description or enquire about buying plastic credits:

Contact GreenCollar

View GreenCollar’s Feedback Grievance and Redress Policy here.

To read the Ghana Plastic Waste Recovery and Recycling Project Description, click here.