Salisu Abdullahi (eTrash2Cash)
Salisu Abdullahi is the founder of eTrash2Cash, a Nigeria-based business that encourages trash collection by offering cash incentives, then uses the collections to create recycled products.
Nigeria’s waste collection challenge
In Nigeria, 32 million tons of waste are generated annually—with projections for this triple by 2050, according to the World Bank. Waste management continues to be a challenge for the country, as low-income neighborhoods lack the services needed to properly collect waste from households. When trash builds up in the streets, it can end up in local water sources, clogging drainage channels, contaminating drinking water, and encouraging the breeding of mosquitoes and rodents, explains Earth.org.
An eTrash2Cash collection center
Salisu, who grew up in a low-income family, collected plastic trash while in university— inspiring him to launch a business after graduation that would help his community.
“eTrash2Cash helps low income families earn a good living by exchanging plastic trash,” explains Salisu. “Per each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of plastic trash, we give our users 55 Nigerian niara.”
etrash2cash in nigeria
Using local radio stations to spread the word about eTrash2Cash, Salisu targets the northern regions of Nigeria where there are high levels of poverty.
“We use their local language because if we use any other language, the people would not understand because most in the community are uneducated,” explained Salisu. “So we educate them, let them be aware of the harmful effects of plastics, and share how to dispose of plastic trash so that they can earn an income through eTrash2Cash.”
Individuals are currently limited to exchanging 100 kilograms weekly to ensure that eTrash2Cash has enough funds to exchange everyone, though he hopes to someday increase the limit so families can earn more.
eTrash2Cash employees weighing a trash collection
"Following the recent fuel subsidy removal by the Nigerian government, we are aware of the challenges our users are currently facing,” said Salisu of the weekly cap. “We understand that the removal has placed many people in significant hardship—to address this critical challenge, we are seeking to expand by getting connected to a network of impact donors to secure additional funding. This will enable us to overcome these 100 kilogram limitations and double the incentives we provide, which will further assist them during this challenging period."
Since launching, Salisu has collected 22,000 tons of recyclables across nine collection centers, which are later upcycled into raw materials like pellets or products like trash collection bags—then sold to local businesses.
growing the team at etrash2cash
Salisu currently has a team of 14 individuals, including his wife, Hussainah, who runs the business while he travels. They met prior to the launch of eTrash2Cash when Salisu was visiting communities to raise awareness about his idea.
“She was one of the people resistant to change, among the people that told me my innovation would not work,” shared Salisu. “I tried to convince her and was able to change her mindset. ”
Salisu joined the Because Accelerator cohort in the fall of 2022, where his mentor supported the business through the launch of different, successful projects—like his recent partnership with the organization Making More Health (MMH), where he tested a new model of trading plastic trash for health vouchers and free health screenings.
In five years, Salisu hopes eTrash2Cash can be found across Africa and known as the nation’s most notable waste management company. He also hopes to offer more incentives, such as groceries, to those in the community.
The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and businesses in areas impacted by poverty.