Gizo's Waste Warriors: Turning Diapers into Opportunity

In a groundbreaking trial, Plastic Wise Gizo, a grassroots recycling initiative in the western province, Solomon Islands, is testing ways to repurpose plastic from baby diapers into compost and other materials.

The effort is part of a broader push to tackle the Pacific’s plastic crisis while empowering women and protecting marine life.

Plastic Wise Gizo is piloting a diaper recycling initiative to produce compost and recover reusable materials.

Founded by Mrs Rendy Solomon, the group has already gained attention for transforming plastic and aluminium waste into jewellery, tiles, and household goods through its "Garbage Weavers of Gizo" program.

But its latest experiment—recycling diaper plastics could offer a solution to one of the most stubborn waste problems in island communities across the Solomon Islands.

“First, we separate the soaked foam for compost, then clean and dry the plastic to make recycled crafts,” explains Rendy Solomon, founder of Plastic Wise Gizo. “These are trial activities—we start by teaching families to process their own household diapers. Every piece counts.”

“People don’t think of diapers as recyclable, but we’re finding ways to give even this waste a second life,” Mrs Solomon said.

The group also runs a thriving aluminum buyback program, offering SBD $3 per kilogram for cans, which are crushed and exported with help from Australia’s Oceania Recycling Company.

Yet challenges persist, including limited storage for key machines like shredders and compactors.

Beyond innovation, Plastic Wise Gizo focuses on education, teaching schools and rural communities about waste management, climate change, and health.

Collaborations with groups like Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) have expanded their impact, including the production of plastic tiles since 2021.

Their work was recently showcased at the Western Province’s 2024 Appointed Day celebrations, where women leaders displayed recycled crafts.

The initiative also provides vocational training for inmates, helping them earn income through craft-making.

Despite progress, Mrs Solomon says systemic hurdles remain, particularly at the overwhelmed Gizo landfill, where she advocates for eco-friendly upgrades.

Gizo landfill

“Change is slow, but we won’t stop pushing,” she said.

As World Environment Day 2025 spotlights the global plastic crisis under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ Gizo’s initiative from diaper recycling to women’s empowerment proves that small communities can drive big solutions.

“We’re not just cleaning up,” Mrs Solomon said. “We’re rebuilding lives and the environment together.”