Nigeria produces millions of tonnes of waste every year, with discarded vehicle tyres among the most difficult materials to dispose of safely. But one Nigerian entrepreneur is turning this environmental crisis into a business opportunity by recycling old tyres into useful products, creating jobs and promoting a circular economy.
At Freee Recycle’s facility in Ibadan, used tyres are given a second life. The factory takes in mountains of rubber waste which were often burned or dumped illegally and transforms them into paving bricks, tiles, and even footwear.
Ifedolapo Runsewe, Recycler “A lot of people are worried about the amount of waste we generate and the impact on our ecosystem and health. The desire for social impact was one of the motivating factors.”
Runsewe launched Freee Recycle after witnessing tyre fires and researching their toxic effects. With no local blueprint, she spent years developing technology, training staff, and raising capital to make the venture viable.
Ifedolapo Runsewe “No one else was doing this. We had to train our staff from scratch, import technology, and when fabrication failed, that was money down the drain.”
Today, Freee Recycle employs over 160 people and has processed more than 250,000 tyres. However, challenges persist, including unreliable power and the high cost of specialised equipment.
Ifedolapo Runsewe “Power is a major issue. We run on diesel, which isn’t clean or sustainable. And access to funding is tough because this work is capital intensive.”
Despite these hurdles, the company has continued to scale its impact, recently launching eco-friendly flip-flops made entirely from recycled rubber, inspired by sandals seen on Maasai warriors in Kenya.
Abimbola Olufore-Wycliffe, UNIDO: “Freee Recycle is doing amazing work that should be scaled across Africa. These products increase visibility and attract investment.”
Runsewe hopes her work will inspire more women to lead green innovations and push Nigeria toward a circular economy.
Ifedolapo Runsewe: “Every day is a chance to tackle challenges and set an example for other women to be vocal, to lead, and to drive change.”
By recycling tyres, creating jobs, and reshaping waste management, Freee Recycle demonstrates that sustainability can be both practical and profitable, providing a model for environmental entrepreneurship across Nigeria and Africa.
Freee Recycle exemplifies how innovation and determination can transform an environmental challenge into a thriving business opportunity, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable practices. With continued support and investment, the company’s model has the potential to redefine Nigeria’s approach to waste management and inspire future green entrepreneurs.
