ReefXycle: Turning Waste into Reefs

ReefXycle: Turning Waste into Reefs

At REEFolution, we believe that a healthier ocean future is built by and for the communities that depend on it. That’s why we’ve partnered with NETICS and the Kwale Recycling Centre to pioneer ReefXycle: an initiative that transforms local waste streams into affordable, eco-friendly reef structures.

Across coastal Kenya, climate change and overfishing have left coral reefs degraded, with fish stocks declining and local communities under pressure. ReefXycle offers a new approach, which combines glass and other locally sourced organic waste such as coconut husks and washed off seaweed to construct modular artificial reefs. As this organic waste is converted into ash, it can be used to improve the strength and durability of concrete when used as a partial replacement for cement. Using organic waste as a substitute for cement not only lowers the carbon footprint of concrete production but also provides a sustainable outlet for glass and other waste materials, supporting a circular economy. Combined, these elements can be compressed into modular reef blocks that are both practical and easy to use and familiar in form to the concrete bottle bricks we already use in our restoration efforts. These reef blocks provide stable surfaces for corals to settle, while tackling two urgent challenges at once: marine ecosystem loss and unmanaged waste systems.

By applying a circular economy approach, the Kwale Recycling Centre empowers women and youth with technical skills, training, and support to transform waste that once polluted villages into valuable resources, building sustainable, value-adding livelihoods in waste management that benefit the ReefXycle project. Through the combined technical expertise of NETICS and strong community engagement, ReefXycle is creating an inclusive and innovative model that restores biodiversity and opens new opportunities for sustainable income across local communities.

Positive impact

In June 2025, the NETICS team visited Kenya to kick off the first phase of the REEXycle Project. With local partners, the team mapped stakeholders, roles, waste streams, and logistics to launch the project. These discussions set the stage for the next steps forward. Since then, together with NETICS we are conducting the research and development, overseeing a comprehensive testing program that includes laboratory analyses of material strength, durability against marine erosion, and assessments of ecological safety. These tests are vital to ensure the new reef blocks are not only durable but also environmentally friendly.

One of the most exciting milestones ahead is the development of the first prototype reef module. The design is almost complete, and preparations are underway for initiating a pilot installation in the ocean. This pilot installation will take place near Shimoni and Chale Island, two sites chosen for their rich ecological potential and strong community support. Here, the team will be able to see how the reef blocks perform, how marine life interacts with them, and whether the approach can be scaled up.

By replacing conventional concrete with reef modules made from waste, the project delivers a dual benefit: lowering production costs through the use of local and more sustainable materials, reducing REEFolution’s carbon footprint, whilst also contributing to our restoration efforts. A key part of the design process has been finding the right balance between density and practicality, making the blocks dense enough for stability, sinking, and long lifespan, while keeping them light enough for easier transport, lower costs, and potentially reduced environmental impact. We’re also testing different production methods, from traditional concrete casting to compression techniques, to see what works best. Looking ahead, the team is exploring more natural, rock-like shapes so the blocks blend seamlessly into the marine environment rather than standing out as human-made structures.

The REEXycle Project is still in its early days, but it’s already showing how innovation, science, and community action can come together to build healthier oceans for the future.

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