BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Eleven years ago, Michael Maefiti registered his business and now he exports two 20-foot containers of unused cars and solar batteries as well as aluminum drink cans waste per month to Korea and Australia.
In her mid-40s, Maefiti previously served as security officer for Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification before venturing into recycling business, which he described as turning a dream into reality.
“I worked for almost 12 years as a security guard at PEMA Security, a private security company. My job was to protect the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s solar project storage facility so, during my time there I began gathering and storing batteries,” Maefiti recounts.
The Ferasubua Man had never made a plan for the unused batteries, but he holds the belief that his hard work will eventually be rewarded.
“I didn’t have any specific plans for the batteries. I just gathered and stored them properly. However, I firmly believe that something positive will come from these batteries one day. So, I continued to collect them until they reached nine tons. It’s an unexpected business,” he stated with a smile.
Michael Maefiti’s recycling business, named Sol Recycling Solution, initially concentrates on unused batteries and later expands to include aluminum drink can wastes. “Initially, my main focus was on batteries. However, a friend from Australia who supported me in starting the business also encouraged me to collect cans. As a result, I began collecting cans in 2023. That’s how I reached this point,” explained the 43-year-old.
In the early part of 2024, his company shipped two 20-foot battery containers to Korea and one 20-foot container of aluminum can waste to Bangkok, Thailand.
“I anticipate generating a total of $SBD 400,000,” he mentioned.
To expand his business, the Ferasubua man aims to set up operations in several provinces throughout the country, with a particular focus on Auki in Malaita province and Gizo in the Western Province.
“We just gathered seven tons of aluminum drink cans waste from Gizo and one ton of aluminum drink cans waste in Auki, along with five tons of unused batteries in Auki. As a result, I intend to expand the business to other provinces,” he mentioned.
Mr. Maefiti also received support from the Strongim business in 2022, amounting to a total of $AUD 23,000 to boost his business.
“I am grateful to receive money from Australia every month as it greatly aids me. I typically receive $SBD 12,000 monthly. I take pleasure in my work and hope it contributes to addressing environmental issues we are currently facing and will continue to face in the future,” Maefiti stated.
Sol Recycling, located adjacent to the Mokolo building at the Lordhowe Settlement, is buying aluminum drink can waste at a rate of $SBD 4.00 per kilo and unused dry cell batteries at a rate of $SBD 1.00 per kilo.
