Manual compactor #2

Unwaste.io is developing a manual plastic bottle compactor as part of its Repa service.

Why is a manual compactor so important — and why aren’t we using a commercial waste compactor instead?

In this video series, our founder Cameron Smith and operations supervisor Arcel Boaventura Zandamela (based in Maputo, Mozambique) answer these questions — and more.

This journey offers a real glimpse into the daily challenges faced by waste pickers and recyclers in the Global South. It’s a reminder that recycling, especially where infrastructure is limited, can be difficult, costly, and even dangerous — and that real, locally adapted solutions are essential.

Here’s the second video, explaining why a commercial waste compactor isn’t a viable solution.

👉 Stay tuned as we continue exploring why innovation grounded in local realities truly matters.