WASTE REDUCTION VOLUNTEERING IN ZAMBIA

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Home | Waste Reduction Volunteering in Zambia
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Impact:
Environmental Sustainability
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Destination:
Livingstone, Zambia
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Duration:
10 Days+
Rates icon
Rates: From $1,260 per week
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SDG’s:
SDG 3 logoSDG 6 logoSDG 12 logo

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.

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Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

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.

ECOBRICKING

Fill PET bottles with soft plastic to create building materials.

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.

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 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.

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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.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 6 logoSDG 12 logo

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.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 6 logoSDG 12 logo

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.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 3 logoSDG 6 logoSDG 12 logo

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

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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!

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Location

Our base in situated in the heart of Livingstone. You will be staying in a comfortable, private house within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers have access to all facilities, including a dining area, bar, swimming pool, and rock-climbing wall. The Backpackers is just a 5-minute walk from Livingstone’s town centre, with grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

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Accommodation

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.

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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.

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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.

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Climate

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, located to the east of Angola. There are two main climate seasons that affect the weather in Zambia, the rainy season (November to April), which is equivalent to summer, and the dry season (May or June to October or November), which corresponds to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May/June to August) and the hot dry season (September to October/November).

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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!

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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.

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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.

Wildlife up close!

Safari Time

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a convenient safari where you can spot elephants, zebras and more, against beautiful backdrops of the Zambezi River. Chobe National Park, across the border in Botswana, is famed for its huge elephant population and an overnight safari is a popular weekend activity.

Adrenaline activities

Victoria Falls

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing.

Time to shop!

Tours and Markets

Livingstone has a rich culture and you can embark on a walking or cycling village tour to a local African village, giving you further insight into the traditional way of life. You can also shop at some of the many markets and stock up on locally handmade goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Thrill-seekers paradise

Zambezi River

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

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Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

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Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

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Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

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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STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
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Project Booking

Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

PRICE

From $1,260 per week

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 10 days, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start days: Every Monday

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

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and 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.

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FAQs

Recent Reviews

“
Ailish McCreanor, 27, ScotlandWaste Reduction Volunteering, Zambia

“I came to African Impact for 10 days and I have loved everything about my experience. Staff are so unbelievably friendly, always greeted with a smile and a laugh. I loved being out on project and interacting with the community, I feel I really got out of my trip what I wanted and am so grateful to have been able to experience this. There were lots of opportunities to engage with local culture and the weekend activities such as the trip to Chobe National Park have created memories I will never forget. I highly recommend anyone who craves adventure while being able to give back to consider African impact!”

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Clare Scoltock, 33, UKWaste Reduction Volunteering, Zambia

“Everything about my time at African Impact was amazing! I was the only person on my project which meant that I was fortunate enough to work closely with Mulenga. Mulenga is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. Whether it was tree planting at the partner schools, sourcing seedlings from local gardeners, or teaching environmental issues in Eco Club, he is a true community leader. If I will just take one thing from this experience, it will be to follow Mulenga's example of always showing up for others. Another strong element of African Impact is its close connections with the community. Relationships with schools, caregivers, and women's groups are deeply valued. African Impact prioritises the people at the heart of the projects, so as a volunteer you can trust that your work matters.”

“
Mac Redi, 19, UKWaste Reduction Volunteering, Zambia

“African impact Zambia is just amazing. There doesn’t need to be anymore to this review because it is a simple fact that the experience of the Livingstone volunteering and living is amazing. The volunteering staff provide great support and understanding along with amazing vibes and community. Backpackers itself is an amazing place to live, with great communal areas and activities as well as friendly staff that make you feel safe. Luckily during my time in Livingstone I was on the ecobricking placement which I loved, I did also however have the opportunity to help on the other projects I was interested in including holiday club, teaching and girl impact which helped to keep things fresh and gain a wider understanding for the community in Livingstone. Thank you to the team for everything, it was an amazing experience I will hold dear forever.”

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Benjamin, UKWaste Reduction Volunteering, Zambia

“Had a fantastic time on the ecobricking project in Zambia. Was really impressed by African Impact and their work in Livingstone. Loved how there was such an emphasis on community involvement and sustainability. Great diversity in day to day work and a fantastic place to volunteer in. Would absolutely recommend the organisation and the location.”

“
Lucy, UKWaste Reduction Volunteering, Zambia

“This was one of the best things I have done in my life to date. Whilst I was out in Livingstone I really felt like I was in fact making a difference and that my money was going towards many different projects. The African Impact team were amazing and really care about what they were doing which was infectious to all volunteers. This experience opened my eyes to many different issues which I did not even realise existed.”

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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.