FREEE Recycle Teams Up with DeSpray to Launch Nigeria’s First Aerosol Recycling Plant

Written By: Flipbz.org

In a groundbreaking stride for Nigeria’s sustainability efforts, FREEE Recycle, a leading waste recycling and rubber manufacturing company, has partnered with DeSpray Environmental, a global pioneer in aerosol recycling technology, to establish the country’s first dedicated Aerosol Recycling Plant at its Integrated Recycling and Manufacturing Facility in Ibadan.

This pioneering initiative aims to tackle the hazardous waste stream of aerosol cans, which currently lacks industrial-scale recycling infrastructure in Nigeria. The state-of-the-art facility, leveraging DeSpray’s patented technology, will safely and efficiently process aerosol cans, capturing 100% of their metal, liquid contents, and propellant gases for recycling and waste-to-energy use. This move aligns with Nigeria’s national sustainability goals and global circular economy standards, advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 for responsible consumption and production.

FREEE Recycle’s Managing Director, Ifedolapo Runsewe, emphasized the partnership’s significance: “This collaboration with DeSpray addresses the urgent challenge of hazardous waste by integrating world-class recycling technology into our operations. We’re committed to safeguarding our environment, protecting communities, and unlocking new economic opportunities.” DeSpray’s Managing Director, Mike MacKay, highlighted a unique angle: The plant will convert captured aerosol propellants into clean cooking fuel, dubbed “Food Fuel,” to replace contaminated sources, enhancing household safety across Africa.

Globally, over 16 billion aerosol cans are produced annually, yet less than 10% are recycled, often ending up in landfills or incinerators due to safety risks from flammable propellants and hazardous residues. By addressing this gap, the Ibadan facility positions Nigeria as a regional leader in advanced recycling, potentially inspiring similar efforts continent-wide while creating jobs and reducing environmental harm.