Circular Entrepreneurship: Production of Fuel Briquettes from Organic Resources in a Rural Area of Uganda

The collection, transportation, and proper disposal of waste pose significant challenges in Uganda, particularly in impoverished urban and rural areas. The mismanagement of municipal solid waste (MSW), which contains a significant amount of organic waste, poses considerable risks to human health and the environment. This research aims to present a best practice example of producing fuel briquettes from organic resources as a means to enhance the sustainability of solid waste management (SWM) in Uganda. The paper outlines the concept of a circular economy business model, promoting sustainable practices in African rural areas, and includes an economic analysis. The study describes the design, production, and sale of eco-friendly energy sources derived from organic waste. The raw feedstocks consist of 30 tonnes of organic waste collected monthly from two markets in Mukono, as well as seasonal agricultural waste from 20 surrounding farmers after the harvesting season. The collected waste undergoes manual sorting to remove impurities such as plastic bags, followed by drying and carbonization in locally made metallic drums. The resulting biochar is then mixed with molasses to produce 10 tons of briquettes monthly, with a production capacity expected to double by 2024. The cost-benefit analysis reveals that briquette production in Mukono requires an annual investment of about 18,006 USD, with a return time of approximately 7 months. This research highlights the potential economic benefits of fuel briquette production from organic resources in rural areas of Uganda.