Engen DRC, a member of the Vivo Energy group, took a significant step on June 5th, 2025, by installing the first waste bins exclusively dedicated to collecting plastic waste in Kinshasa. This initiative aims to address one of the city's most pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution. 

Plastic pollution has become a major issue in Kinshasa, where heavy rains often result in streets and drainage systems clogged with plastic bottles. These blockages are one of the primary causes of flooding in the capital city. Despite efforts by municipal authorities to manage waste, there remains an urgent need for dedicated plastic waste bins, regular collection services, and public education on waste segregation. 

Engen DRC’s initiative is a pioneering effort within its sector to tackle this issue head-on. By deploying plastic-only bins, the company is creating a system that encourages proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste. As explained by Papy Mukome, HSSEQ Manager at Engen DRC, the collected plastic waste will be transported to recycling centers. These centers will process the plastic into paving blocks that can be used to construct pedestrian walkways throughout the city. 

The initiative reflects the sentiment expressed by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." Plastic pollution is a global threat that requires collective action to eliminate its presence in our daily lives. Efforts like those of Engen DRC are vital in fostering a shift in mindset and habits among the residents of Kinshasa.