From $1613
WASTE REDUCTION PROJECT IN ZAMBIA
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Impact:
Environmental Sustainability
Destination:
Livingstone, Zambia
Duration:
10 Days+
Fee: From $1,613
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
SDG’s: 
Waste Reduction Volunteering in Zambia
Join our award-winning ecobricking project shaping Zambia’s future. Calling all passionate environmental advocates! This groundbreaking project, recognized for its innovative approach and impactful results, offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the world.
Step into the heart of Livingstone, a vibrant town in Zambia, and become a key player in the fight for a sustainable future. Get involved with sustainable ecobrick building projects, awareness workshops, and community initiatives that encourage people to use plastic waste to improve their communities and lives. This plastic bottle bricking initiative goes beyond traditional volunteering, offering an immersive experience where you’ll actively contribute to the environmental conservation movement in Zambia.
Project Highlights
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
Assist with tasks like mixing cement, laying bricks, plastering, painting, and refurbishing structures.
WASTE REDUCTION
Create a healthy living environment for the community by collecting litter.
ECOBRICKING
Fill PET bottles with soft plastic to create building materials.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Host workshops on plastic pollution to educate locals on its impact on health, wildlife, and the environment.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Experience local Zambian culture and its warm people firsthand.
Project impact areas
Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Waste Reduction Volunteering Project in Zambia:
Ecobricking
Every scrap of plastic you collect becomes a mighty Ecobrick, a warrior in the fight against pollution and these bricks get put to good use. We build everything from chicken coops to school benches with them! We also run a swap shop with school students to encourage them to get involved. The students can swap Ecobricks they have made for stationery, toys, and football jerseys.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Eco Club
Engage with students in environmental workshops where they will learn about recycling, pollution etc. At the Swap Shop, students can exchange completed Ecobricks for educational items such as notebooks, pencils and more.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Environmental Cleanups
Gear up for epic cleanup initiatives alongside people from the local community. Picture this: you’re not just litter picking, you’re battling plastic pollution that affects the natural landscape around you including the amazing animals that call the Zambezi river home. Witness the transformative power of collective action as you restore the natural beauty of Zambia, one piece of plastic at a time.
U.N SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Project Destination
Livingstone, a vibrant city in southern Zambia, is names after the famous explorer David Livingstone. This historic town blends colonial charm with modern amenities. Visitors are drawn to its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke that Thunders.” Beyond the falls, Livingstone offers thrilling adventures like white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping, and wildlife safaris in nearby national parks.
The city’s rich cultural heritage is showcased in its museums and local markets. With its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty, Livingstone provides a perfect base for exploring Zambia’s diverse attractions.
Life At Base
Accommodation & Meals
All African Impact volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers will have access to all the facilities, including a spacious dining area, bar, swimming pool, and even a rock-climbing wall!
The backpackers is conveniently located a short 5-minute walk away from the town centre of Livingstone, where you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people, with bunk beds in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with hot water showers.
As an iconic tourist destination, Livingstone and its surrounds cater to international guests with a wide variety of food options. Enjoy authentic stews, local beers and of course – an open flame braai (barbeque). All of our projects cater for vegetarians, vegans and various food group intolerances with sufficient notice.
Meals
As an iconic tourist destination, Livingstone and its surrounds cater to international guests with a wide variety of food options. Enjoy authentic stews, local beers and of course – an open flame braai (barbeque). All of our projects cater for vegetarians, vegans and various food group intolerances with sufficient notice.
Communication
SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Livingstone and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.
Flights & Arrivals
Arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula (Livingstone) International Airport (LVI) on your Monday start date, landing between 9am and 6pm in order to make the complimentary transfer service. Look for the African Impact sign – a friendly face will be there to welcome you!
Staff
Our brilliant African Impact team, led by Base Manager Sander, will look after you during your time with us! Whichever project you choose, you’ll get to know everyone incredibly well both out on project and around the base. Our crew of changemakers are waiting to welcome you to Livingstone!
Safety
Our projects are committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. Our base has outsourced security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment and evacuation plans. All vehicles are well-maintained, and our licensed drivers know safe routes in the townships, where projects occur in enclosed venues. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided for healthcare, litter collection, and construction projects, and working at heights or with power tools is prohibited. We have comprehensive policies, including child protection, to protect all participants. Upon arrival, trained staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.
Project FAQs
WHAT IS ECOBRICKING?
Ecobricking is a sustainable method using PET bottles filled with soft plastics to create building materials. This practice reduces harmful waste, cleans streets, lowers air pollution, protects water systems, preserves soil quality, and prevents wildlife from ingesting toxic plastics, creating a healthier environment for the Livingstone community.
HOW ARE ECOBRICKS USED IN AFRICA?
Waste pollution is becoming a serious problem across Africa, and there is a great need for collaborative community initiatives that put reducing, reusing, and recycling waste first. Ecobricks are one of those solutions! By taking excess waste, cleaning it, and using it to build firm bricks, Ecobricks have quickly become a game-changer in sustainably reducing waste and building eco-friendly community infrastructure.
HOW DO ECOBRICKS HELP WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION?
Absolutely! Rather than bringing in new materials to build community structures, Ecobricks reuse and recycle previously discarded items and give them new life. By doing this, Ecobricks also reduces excess non-biodegradable waste from community environments, creating a genuinely cyclical approach to sustainability.
IS IT REALLY SAFE TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA AS A VOLUNTEER?
Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and safety considerations that vary depending on the specific country and region. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our volunteers and carefully assess each program location. Additionally, our program staff are available to support you throughout your placement, ensuring you have a safe and enriching experience.
Our favourite weekend activities in Zambia
Africa’s adventure capital offers no shortage of ways to spend your weekends as a volunteer. There’s something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkie to culturally intrigued traveller.
Your Enquiry Starts Here
Travel With a Friend
Costs reduce if you book with a friend, or if you are a return volunteer.
Minimum Age
The minimum age requirement for participation is 17 if travelling alone, and 15 if travelling with a parent.
| Duration | Program Fee |
|---|---|
| 10 days | $1,613 ($1,130 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $2,150 ($1,075 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $2,438 ($813 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $2,726 ($682 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $3,014 ($603 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $3,302 ($551 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $3,878 ($485 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $4,454 ($446 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $5,030 ($420 per week) |
| 10 days | £1,145 (£802 per week) |
| 2 weeks | £1,525 (£763 per week) |
| 3 weeks | £1,755 (£585 per week) |
| 4 weeks | £1,985 (£497 per week) |
| 5 weeks | £2,215 (£443 per week) |
| 6 weeks | £2,445 (£408 per week) |
| 8 weeks | £2,905 (£364 per week) |
| 10 weeks | £3,365 (£337 per week) |
| 12 weeks | £3,825 (£319 per week) |
| 10 days | €1,315 (€921 per week) |
| 2 weeks | €1,754 (€877 per week) |
| 3 weeks | €2,019 (€673 per week) |
| 4 weeks | €2,284 (€571 per week) |
| 5 weeks | €2,549 (€510 per week) |
| 6 weeks | €2,814 (€469 per week) |
| 8 weeks | €3,344 (€418 per week) |
| 10 weeks | €3,874 (€388 per week) |
| 12 weeks | €4,404 (€367 per week) |
| 10 days | $2,116 ($1,482 per week) |
| 2 weeks | $2,821 ($1,411 per week) |
| 3 weeks | $3,247 ($1,083 per week) |
| 4 weeks | $3,673 ($919 per week) |
| 5 weeks | $4,099 ($820 per week) |
| 6 weeks | $4,525 ($755 per week) |
| 8 weeks | $5,377 ($673 per week) |
| 10 weeks | $6,229 ($623 per week) |
| 12 weeks | $7,081 ($591 per week) |
INCLUSIONS
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
EXCLUSIONS
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
MINIMUM STAY
The minimum stay for this project is 1o days.
PROJECT FEE INCLUDES
- Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All project transport, equipment and resources
- Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
- Full orientation for responsible project contribution
PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Weekend tours
- Personal expenses
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
The minimum age requirement for participation is 17 if travelling alone, and 15 if travelling with a parent. Participants younger than 18 travelling alone are required to supply parental consent before arrival.
DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?
Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.
Project Enquiry
After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.
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