Ecobarter App is Paying Nigerians for Trash — Here’s How It Works

Ecobarter App

Ecobarter App is Paying Nigerians for Trash — Here’s How It Works

Wait, you’ve been throwing away your plastic and nylon trash just like that?
You might just vex when you find out people are now getting paid to recycle their waste — all from the comfort of their homes — using a new mobile app called Ecobarter.

Ecobarter is trending in Nigeria right now, and for a good reason. This platform is changing how we see waste — no longer just “dirt”, but money in disguise.

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About Ecobarter

Ecobarter is a sustainable waste management company that combines digital innovation with community-based offline infrastructure to collect, process, and transform post-consumer waste into valuable resources. At its core, Ecobarter is a fast-growing mobile platform that empowers Nigerians to turn everyday waste into income.

Think of it as your waste wallet — you simply schedule a pickup through the app, and a verified team comes to your doorstep, collects your sorted recyclables, weighs them, and credits you with points that can be withdrawn as cash or used within the app.

From plastics, paper, cartons, nylons, beverage cans to metals, Ecobarter accepts a wide range of household waste and rewards you for every kilogram recycled.

  • Available on: Play Store & App Store

  • Service Coverage: All 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT

With Ecobarter, recycling is no longer a chore — it’s a way to earn and impact the environment positively.

Ecobarter Services

Ecobarter offers innovative waste management services that help Nigerians earn money by recycling household items like plastics, paper, cartons, metals, and more through app-based pickups and Reverse Vending Machines nationwide.

Users can convert earned points into cash, shop in the Ecobarter marketplace, or transfer value to others within the app.

Beyond recycling, Ecobarter empowers women, supports local collectors, and promotes environmental education and circular economy practices across Nigeria.

About the Founder – Rita Idehai, Owner and CEO of Ecobarter

ecobarter founder ceo
Photo of Ecobarter Founder & CEO, Rita Idehal | Credit: RIta Idehal/Linkedin

Rita Idehai is the visionary Founder and CEO of Ecobarter, a purpose-driven social enterprise transforming how waste is managed across Nigeria. A geoscientist turned social entrepreneur, Rita works at the intersection of environment, development, and innovation — with a passion for building sustainable systems that create both economic and environmental value.

Through Ecobarter, she is on a mission to connect every Nigerian household to a sustainable waste management platform. Her work goes beyond recycling; she’s also committed to empowering vulnerable women by helping them earn decent, sustainable income through waste recovery and circular economy solutions.

Rita’s efforts are focused on:

  • Promoting a circular economy through technology

  • Bridging the gap between climate action and economic inclusion

  • Supporting other entrepreneurs and organizations in making meaningful social impact

When she’s not building Ecobarter, Rita uses her expertise to mentor changemakers and support impact-driven ventures that are solving Nigeria’s biggest environmental and economic challenges.

About Ecobarter App

Ecobarter App

Have you ever thrown away bottles, cartons, or nylons without thinking twice? What if I told you that trash could actually put money in your pocket?

That’s exactly what the Ecobarter app Nigeria is built for. It’s a revolutionary mobile platform that lets you turn everyday household waste into real cash or redeemable points. More than just a recycling tool, it’s a waste-to-money Nigeria app designed to reward you for protecting the environment.

With Ecobarter, you can manage your waste from the comfort of your home and get paid for it — either in cash or usable points that you can withdraw or spend.

All you need to do is:

  • Download the app (available on Play Store and App Store)

  • Create an account

  • Gather your Waste
  • Schedule a pickup for items like plastics, paper, cartons, or metals

Once their team arrives, they’ll weigh your recyclables and credit your wallet based on the current Ecobarter points value. Right now, each point is worth ₦20, and your earnings can be withdrawn to your bank, transferred to others, or used in the in-app marketplace.

Is it worth using?

  • No need to step outside — everything happens at your doorstep

  • You get rewarded each time you recycle

  • It helps reduce pollution and promote sustainabilit

  • A stress-free way to sell plastic for money in Nigeria

With Ecobarter, your waste becomes a form of currency. If you’ve been looking for a smart way to recycle for cash in Nigeria, this is your chance.

Thanks to their nationwide pickup service, you don’t have to go anywhere. Whether it’s plastics, cartons, papers, nylons, or scrap metals, Ecobarter comes to your location, handles the collection, and pays you instantly.

Currently operating in all 36 states and Abuja, Ecobarter is on a mission to help Nigerians see value in what they once called waste — and to help you earn while doing good.

How Ecobarter Works

Using the Ecobarter app Nigeria is easy, and the whole process can be done from the comfort of your home. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the App

Head over to the Play Store or App Store, search for “Ecobarter”, and install the app on your phone.

2. Sign Up

Create a free account by filling in your basic information and address. This helps them know where to find you when it’s time for pickup.

3. Gather and Pack Your Waste

Before scheduling a pickup, gather all your recyclable waste — plastics, cartons, nylons, papers, cans, metals — and pack them neatly in one place. This makes it easy for the collection team to weigh and pick up everything smoothly.

4. Request a Pickup

Open the app, click on “Schedule Pickup”, and select a convenient day. No need to go out looking for where to drop your waste — Ecobarter brings the service to your doorstep.

5. They Come to You

On the scheduled day, Ecobarter’s trained last-mile collectors will arrive at your home, collect your sorted recyclables, weigh them, and credit your account based on the Ecobarter points value.

What Type of Waste Can You Recycle with Ecobarter — And How Much Do You Earn?

image of a young girl gathering plastic rubbers, Credit: Rita Idehal/Linkedin
A picture of a young Nigerian girl gathering plastic rubbers. Credit: Rita Idehal/Linkedin

Before scheduling a pickup, it’s important to know which waste types Ecobarter accepts and what they pay for each. This helps you sort and pack your items correctly to maximize your earnings.

Here’s a breakdown of Ecobarter’s current payout rates per kg (or by grouped weight):

Waste TypeEcobarter Pay RateEquivalent Per Kg (Approx.)
Plastic Bottles (PET)₦100 per 5kg₦20 per kg
Single-Use Plastic Bottles₦100 per 5kg₦20 per kg
Hard Plastic (HDPE)₦40 per 2kg₦20 per kg
Paper (PAP)₦20 per 1kg₦20 per kg
Pure Water Sachets (Nylon)₦20 per 1kg₦20 per kg
Cartons (BCP)₦40 per 2kg₦20 per kg
Mixed Materials₦40 per 2kg₦20 per kg
Shrink Wrap (SHW)₦60 per 3kg₦20 per kg
Metals (MET)₦200 per 10kg₦20 per kg
Aluminum₦360 per 18kg₦20 per kg
  1. Sort by Category – Group your waste according to type (e.g., PET bottles, HDPE containers, cartons, etc.).

  2. Weigh and Track – Knowing the rates helps you estimate how much you’ll earn before pickup.

  3. Pack Neatly – Bundle each category in labeled bags to make weighing and collection faster for the Ecobarter team.

  4. Focus on Volume – Most rates are based on grouped weight (like 5kg, 2kg, etc.), so the more you gather, the better your payout.

You can withdraw your points directly to your bank account, send to a friend, or shop on the Ecobarter marketplace.

What Makes Ecobarter So Unique?

  • Nationwide Reach – Yes, all 36 states + Abuja

  • Home Pickup – No need to move an inch

  • Real Cash or Points System – Withdrawable to bank

  • Eco-conscious Impact – You earn and help the environment

Why You Should Try Ecobarter

  • You Already Have Trash – So why not get paid for it?

  • Easy and Rewarding – No stress, no charges

  • No Minimum Tech Skill Needed – Just click and schedule

  • Cash You Can Use – Pay bills, buy items, or save it

How to Make Money from Recycling Plastics in Nigeria using Ecobarter

Ecobarter accepts a wide range of household and everyday waste that you might otherwise throw away. Here’s a quick look at the recyclables you can exchange for cash or points on the Ecobarter app Nigeria:

Accepted Waste Items:

  • Plastics
    (Water & soda bottles, yogurt containers, jerry cans, wrappers, food packs, single-use bottles, HDPE plastics)

  • Beverage Cans
    (Aluminum or tin drink cans)

  • Nylons & Sachet Water Bags
    (Pure water sachets, nylon shopping bags, clean shrink wraps)

  • Cartons & Paper
    (Brown cartons, office paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard packaging)

  • Scrap Metals
    (Iron, tin, steel, aluminum scraps, household metal parts)

  • Mixed Recyclables
    (Lightly sorted combinations of plastic, paper, and cartons)

Tip: Make sure your waste is dry, clean, and sorted by type to avoid rejection and get full value.

With Ecobarter, even the most ignored items in your trash bin could earn you money and help the planet at the same time.

How Much Can You Earn from Recycling with Ecobarter?

Screenshot
Screenshot

With the Ecobarter app Nigeria, you earn ₦20 per point, and each recyclable waste type gives you different points based on weight and material.

Let’s break it down with realistic estimates based on what the average household or small community group can gather:

Sample Earnings (Realistic and Achievable)

Waste TypeApprox. WeightPoints EarnedCash Value
Plastic Bottles (PET)25kg25 points₦500
Cartons (BCP)30kg60 points₦1,200
Scrap Metals50kg150 points₦3,000
Aluminum Cans18kg18 points₦360
Paper & Nylon10kg10 points₦200
Mixed Recyclables15kg30 points₦600
Total~148kg293 points₦5,860

With a combination of recyclables, you can earn between ₦1,000 to ₦10,000 or more over time, depending on:

  • The type and amount of waste you recycle

  • Whether you’re collecting from just your home or getting extra from friends, offices, or neighbors

  • How consistent you are

Bonus Tip: What Pays More?

  • Metals (iron, copper, etc.) give the highest value

  • Clean plastic bottles are easy to collect and store

  • Dry cartons are lightweight but add up

  • Pure water sachets and nylon give the lowest payout and take a long time to accumulate in weight

Want to Earn More?

If you’re serious about scaling your recycling income:

  • Collect from your street or neighborhood

  • Partner with small shops, events, or churches

  • Store waste neatly and dry to avoid rejection

  • Use both home pickup and Ecobarter Reverse Vending Machines if available nearby

Recycling won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but it can help with airtime, transport, bills, or even savings — all while protecting the environment.

Ecobarter Reverse Vending Machine – Now Available Nationwide, Including Abuja

How to Use the Ecobarter RVM (Step-by-Step)
A picture of Ecobarter Reverse Vending Machine | Credit -Rita Idehai/ Linkedin

The Ecobarter Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is transforming the way Nigerians recycle. Whether you’re in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, or any other part of the country, these smart machines are now available across Nigeria to make recycling easier, cleaner, and more rewarding.

What Is the Reverse Vending Machine?

The RVM is a self-service recycling station that accepts plastic bottles (PET) and instantly rewards you with Ecobarter points. No need to book a pickup or wait at home — just walk up to a machine near you, drop in your bottles, and earn!

How to Use the Ecobarter RVM (Step-by-Step)

  1. Collect Your Bottles
    Gather empty plastic bottles (e.g., water, soft drinks). Make sure they are clean and not crushed.

  2. Locate a Machine Near You
    Find an Ecobarter RVM at malls, markets, schools, bus terminals, or public areas in your city. They are currently active in all 36 states and the FCT.

  3. Scan Your Ecobarter App or Phone Number
    Open the Ecobarter app Nigeria and tap the RVM section. Or just input your registered phone number directly on the machine screen.

  4. Insert Bottles One by One
    Place each bottle into the machine’s slot. The RVM scans, accepts, and records your recyclables in real-time.

  5. Earn Points Instantly
    You’ll receive Ecobarter points automatically in your wallet. These can be withdrawn as cash, transferred, or used for shopping in the app.

Why Use the RVM?

  • No need to wait for a pickup

  • Instant rewards for recycling

  • Clean, fast, and eco-friendly

  • Encourages everyday waste sorting

  • Helps reduce plastic pollution in your community

  • In the past month alone, over 30,000 plastic bottles have been recycled through Ecobarter RVMs — and more Nigerians are joining in daily!

Next time you step out with plastic bottles, don’t dump them—drop them in an Ecobarter machine and get paid instantly.

Summary

Ecobarter is a fast-growing mobile app in Nigeria that pays you for your trash — literally. From plastics and cartons to scrap metals, the app lets you recycle common household waste in exchange for points, which you can withdraw as cash or spend in-app.

Simply download the Ecobarter app, sign up, gather your sorted waste, and schedule a free pickup. Their verified team will come to your home, weigh your recyclables, and credit your wallet based on current Ecobarter points value (₦20 per point).

You can also earn instantly using their nationwide Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), available in malls, markets, and public spaces across Nigeria, including Abuja.

Founded by Rita Idehai — a geoscientist turned social entrepreneur — Ecobarter is on a mission to change how Nigerians see waste: not as dirt, but as opportunity. The platform operates in all 36 states and the FCT, empowering individuals and communities to recycle for cash in Nigeria while protecting the environment.

Whether you’re looking to sell plastic for money, reduce pollution, or just make a little extra income, Ecobarter makes it easy, clean, and impactful. Your waste could be your next source of airtime, groceries, or even transport fare.

Ready to turn your waste into money?
Download the Ecobarter app now on Play Store or App Store, schedule your first pickup, and start earning from your trash — no stress, no movement, just money at your doorstep.

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