A new project in Nigeria is aiming to turn a major waste problem into a clean energy solution. DESPRAY Environmental, a Dutch specialist in aerosol recycling, has partnered with Lagos-based FREEE Recycle Limited to launch Food Fuel, an initiative that will convert discarded aerosol gases into safe and affordable cooking fuel.
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The agreement was signed at DESPRAY’s headquarters in the Netherlands, with CEO Eelco Osse and FREEE Recycle founder Ifedolapo Runsewe present alongside government representatives.
The concept behind Food Fuel dates back to 2018, when DESPRAY Co-founder Mike MacKay began exploring ways to tackle the reliance on firewood, kerosene, and other polluting fuels widely used in African households.
The first installation will be set up in Ibadan, where DESPRAY’s DS5000 system will be able to process up to 10 million aerosol cans every year. That output is expected to generate around 200,000 liters of purified gas—enough to serve thousands of families.
The initiative could not come at a more urgent time. According to the World Health Organization, household air pollution is responsible for around 700,000 deaths annually in Africa. By recovering waste gases such as propane and butane, the project hopes to reduce emissions, slow deforestation, and improve public health, while at the same time creating jobs in recycling and fuel distribution.
The pilot scheme is planned to go live in 2027, with DESPRAY and FREEE Recycle already in talks with governments, NGOs, and private investors to help scale the model across Africa.
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