Turning Plastic Waste into Free Sturdy, Cyclone-proof Roofing: A Recycling Breakthrough in Manado
Sella Runtulalo: 500 Plastic Roofing Panels Distributed for Free
Manado’s Micro Recycling Center (MRCM) is Transforming Unusable Plastic Waste into Roofing and Waste Bins
In Manado, Indonesia, an incredible innovation is taking place. The Micro Recycling Center Manado (MRCM), supported by the Manengkel Solidaritas NGO, has developed a way to convert unsellable plastic waste into durable roofing panels and waste bins of various sizes.
Located in Sumompo, Manado, the MRCM buys plastic waste from local waste collectors, mainly women, at high prices. These plastics include plastic bags, food wrappers, detergent sachets, and other non-recyclable plastic packaging. Instead of being dumped in landfills, these materials are now being sorted, pressed, and turned into useful products.
Empowering Women and Creating Jobs
About 80% of the workers involved in sorting and pressing plastics at MRCM are women from the local community. This initiative not only helps clean up the environment but also provides jobs and income for families living near the Sumompo landfill.
Why This Initiative Started
According to Sella Runtulalo, Chairperson of Manengkel Solidaritas, the project was born out of a concern for the increasing waste crisis and the lack of income opportunities for people living near the landfill.
“We saw how waste was piling up at the landfill, while many families nearby were struggling financially. We realized that this plastic waste could be turned into a circular economy. So, our NGO started looking for solutions to create jobs while reducing non-recyclable plastic waste,” says Sella.
How WasteFree23 Helped Kickstart This Innovation
Sella shared that the project received initial funding and support from WasteFree23.org, a U.S.-based organization focused on waste reduction and sustainable living.
“With funding from WasteFree23.org, we launched this initiative in December 2024. We began collecting unsellable plastic waste like plastic bags, candy wrappers, small sachets, and other packaging. Instead of letting it go to waste, we recycle these plastics into roofing panels and waste bins, which we distribute to schools, small businesses, and public spaces.”
Providing Free Roofing for Low-Income Families
One of the biggest achievements so far is the free distribution of 500 plastic roofing panels to low-income households in Manado.
“So far, we have provided 500 roofing panels to families in need. In 2025, we aim to scale up production, but we need more support—whether from the government, private sector, or NGOs—to help us acquire more pressing machines for making plastic roofing panels,” Sella explained.
Government Support & Future Plans
The Manado City Environmental Department, represented by Lieke Kembuan, has expressed strong support for this initiative.
“We highly appreciate the efforts of MRCM in recycling plastic waste. The government is committed to supporting such initiatives as part of our national ‘Clean Indonesia Movement’ launched by President Prabowo. We will propose funding for additional equipment through the Ministry of Environment, the Manado city government, and corporate CSR programs,” said Kembuan.
She added that funding for new recycling machines is expected to be proposed in 2025, with hopes of implementation in 2026.
A Model for Sustainable Recycling
This project is proof that even non-recyclable plastic waste can be transformed into valuable products. By turning plastic waste into roofing panels and waste bins, MRCM is creating jobs, reducing pollution, and improving living conditions for local communities.
🌍 Want to support this initiative or start a similar project in your community? Contact us at WasteFree23.org! 🚀
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This article is based on a report originally published in Kronologi.id (Indonesian language). Click here to read the report.