Joseph Recycling began in 2022, inspired by a moment when 10-year-old Joseph Wijaya saw his friends collecting metal and cables from rivers while fishing. Realising the value of recycling, and with encouragement from his father, Joseph decided to start his own initiative to collect and process recyclables while giving back to his community.

In March 2022, he delivered his first recycling bin to a local co-working space. By 2025, his network has grown to over 200 members, including schools, homes, and businesses.

Each week, Joseph collects, sorts, and processes recyclables, partnering with a facility in Java when needed. Funds raised help pay for children’s education. In 2023, he paid for 24 children to attend school, and in 2024, he supported 30.

He believes every child deserves the chance to learn and grow into future leaders.

Joseph also leads beach cleanups and runs a plastic collection program where children earn English lessons focused on sustainability. He now creates and sells keyrings at markets to support his mission. In 2025, he launched a recycling curriculum to educate remote schools. At just 13, Joseph dreams of building a school where students can pay their fees with plastic waste—turning trash into opportunity.