Africa Waste Management Market Trends

One of the most significant decisions in the history of waste management in Africa was taken when African environment ministers gathered in Senegal in the middle of September 2022. The ministers started the process of putting an end to open rubbish burning and dumping. This choice will have a variety of effects on the economy, the environment, and society. Millions of lives could be saved across the continent.

Sub-Saharan Africa produced 180 million tons of garbage or nearly 9% of the total global output. Only around 11% of this trash was dumped in landfills that were adequately constructed and maintained. More than 60% of them ended up at open dumps. 90% or more of the trash is thrown out in the open in many African cities. A large portion of it is burned, releasing toxic pollution plumes into homes, lungs, and the environment. Dioxins, hydrocarbons, and black carbon, all extremely harmful climatic pollutants, are among these emissions. Moreover, methane produced by the decomposition of organic waste causes open burning and is a significant climate change contributor.

People and the environment are both severely affected. More than 1.2 million Africans die prematurely each year due to air pollution. Children who live close to large dumpsites have been found to have persistent respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatological conditions. In African metropolitan centers, more than 60% of the garbage produced is biodegradable. 20% more of it is recyclable. All of this recyclable and biodegradable garbage may be kept out of landfills. By 2030, this would result in a 60% decrease in open rubbish burning.

The utilization of trash as a supplementary resource input and a change in people's behavior are two ways that nations might accomplish this. Governments, local authorities, the commercial sector, civic society, development partners, community organizations, informal trash service providers, and recyclers must all put out enormous effort. Local authorities are on the front lines. They must collaborate with local governments to enforce laws against open burning and dumping and to alter attitudes and behavior. They must to additionally supply the facilities required for recycling and garbage separation. Action will take place at the local level, and the objective is to persuade African towns and nations to join a partnership that is anticipated to be unveiled during COP27.