An environmental relief program in Uganda coordinated by the University of Kentucky and a Paducah-based nonprofit saw multiple successes in its first year.
The “Trash to Tank” program is a collaboration between the university and the nonprofit Beyond Uganda. The project is in a trial phase and aims to bring mechanical processors to Uganda that convert plastic into fuel.
Beyond Uganda Executive Director Capulan Gurrola said five processors are already active in the country with more on the way pending a grant from Rotary International.
Gurrola said the program helps to drive up wages in underprivileged areas of Uganda.
"People that work in rice fields are earning less than a dollar a day," said Gurrola." With the fuel processor, they can be making anywhere between five and seven dollars per day."
Beyond Uganda staff members are on the ground in Uganda collecting data to determine the program’s viability for the coming years.
