Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) and creating sustainable cities are interconnected goals that work together to maximise the positive environmental impact of human activities, promote resource conservation, and create a clean and healthy living environment. MSWM refers to the systematic collection, transportation, recycling, disposal, and treatment of solid waste generated by households, businesses, institutions, and industries within a municipality or urban area. While sustainable cities, also known as green cities or eco-cities, are urban areas that strive to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These cities are designed, planned, and managed with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The goal is to create a high quality of life for residents while minimizing their ecological footprint and resource consumption. In response to Mordor Intelligence’s report projection of Per capita waste generation, especially in sub-Saharan Africa by 2050 (Figure 1), this article explores some opportunities available while engaging with MSWM processes.
Figure 1: Projection of Per Capita Waste Generation in Sub-Saharan Africa (in Billion Tonne, 2016-2050).
Source: Mordor Intelligence (2023).
Integrated MSWM
Integrated MSWM is an innovative and comprehensive approach that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of waste generation. This is a collective effort that is targeted at ensuring that significant progress is made to minimise our ecological footprint through proper waste management systems (Figure 2; waste generation in millions).
Figure 2: Waste generation in sub-Saharan Africa
Source: Adedara et al. (2023)
Here, it beacons African countries to create a comprehensive system that incorporates waste reduction, reuse, recycling, proper disposal, and resource recovery. By embracing waste hierarchy principles such as reduce, reuse, and recycle, African countries can make significant progress in minimising waste sent to landfills and maximise the recovery of valuable resources. This approach highlights the significance of efficient waste collection and transportation systems, encouraging responsible consumption patterns, and establishing infrastructure that facilitates waste segregation, recycling, and treatment. Integrated MSWM plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable cities and a circular economy by effectively minimising waste generation, preserving valuable resources, and significantly reducing pollution and environmental degradation.
Recycling and Circular Economy
Recycling and the circular economy are intertwined concepts that empower us to reduce waste, preserve valuable resources, and positively impact the environment through our actions. Recycling is a process that involves the collection, processing, and transformation of waste materials into new products or raw materials, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability. To recycle effectively, it is important to identify the types of waste that are produced in the region (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Composition of municipal waste in sub-Saharan Africa
Source: Mordor Intelligence (2023).
By diverting waste from landfills and reintroducing it into the production cycle, recycling plays a crucial role in conserving energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving our precious natural resources. In driving a circular economy principle, African countries could embrace innovative approaches and prioritise the design of products and systems that promote durability, repairability, and renewable or recycled materials. This would create a closed-loop system where resources are constantly reused, repurposed, and recycled, greatly reducing the need for new resource extraction and waste generation. This will foster the transition from a linear “take-make-dispose” model to a sustainable and regenerative system that supports long-term environmental and economic well-being.
Waste-to-Energy and Resource Recovery
Once again, African countries have a great opportunity to prioritise the issue of waste-to-energy and make significant progress. Waste-to-energy and resource recovery are exciting and forward-thinking approaches that provide sustainable solutions to MSWM challenges. Waste-to-energy technologies, like incineration and anaerobic digestion, efficiently utilise the energy potential of non-recyclable waste materials to produce electricity, heat, and biofuels. Zafar (2020) made a crucial illustration of waste-to-energy and resource recovery (Figure 4)
Figure 4: Waste-to-energy
Source: Zafar (2022)
This process not only helps to decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills but also offers a renewable energy source that can positively contribute to the overall energy mix. Techniques like landfill mining or advanced sorting technologies offer exciting opportunities to retrieve valuable recyclable materials, metals, and organic matter. These resources can be repurposed or reintegrated into the production cycle, contributing to a more sustainable future. Waste-to-energy and resource recovery initiatives are a great solution because they not only reduce waste disposal volumes but also help conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Planning
Infrastructural challenges have presented opportunities for growth and development in African countries, as sustainable infrastructure and planning play a crucial role in effective MSWM. It is important to note that by integrating sustainable practises into the design and planning of MSWM systems, African cities can greatly reduce waste generation and maximise resource recovery. African countries have a great opportunity to create efficient waste collection networks, strategically place waste bins, and establish easily accessible recycling facilities for residents. This can be done with recognition and appreciation for existing socio-cultural factors. Moreover, sustainable planning offers the opportunity to take into account positive factors like population density, convenient access to recycling centres, and the successful implementation of waste reduction strategies. This includes actively promoting compact, mixed-use development to significantly reduce transportation distances for waste collection and enthusiastically encouraging the incorporation of abundant green spaces and sustainable building materials. By incorporating sustainable infrastructure and planning principles, cities can greatly enhance MSWM efficiency, significantly reduce environmental impacts, and create vibrant, resilient communities.
Public Awareness and Education
Another exciting opportunity in the transition to a more sustainable continent would be the promotion of public awareness about effective MSWM. With this, African countries can empower individuals to make informed choices and embrace responsible behaviours. Public awareness campaigns have the incredible potential to raise awareness about the significance of waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal methods. This creates an opportunity to educate the public about the positive environmental and health impacts of proper MSWM, such as cleaner surroundings and preserved habitats. Moreover, educational programmes on proper MSWM should be integrated into school curriculums, community centres, and public forums. These initiatives will provide valuable knowledge to individuals about waste segregation, composting, and the numerous benefits of embracing a circular economy. Through raising awareness and providing practical knowledge, public education initiatives have the power to foster a strong sense of responsibility and inspire active participation in MSWM practices.
Collaboration and Policy Framework
There is also a need for stronger collaboration and the development of a well-defined policy framework across all African countries. These instruments are crucial for achieving successful MSWM. Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, MSWM authorities, private sectors, NGOs, and local communities, creates a powerful opportunity to pool resources, expertise, and perspectives for positive change. This collaboration and sound policy framework can enhance the drive to reduce waste, especially plastic waste, and its numerous impacts on the ecosystem. Godfrey et al. (2019) highlights the high percentage of plastic waste in comparison to other types of waste generated in Africa and globally.
Figure 5: Percentage of different wastes generated in Africa and globally
Source: Godfrey et al. (2019)
A robust policy framework will empower us with the necessary guidelines, regulations, and incentives to drive sustainable MSWM practices successfully. These policies have the potential to effectively tackle waste reduction targets, encourage recycling mandates, enforce waste segregation requirements, and promote the adoption of circular economy principles. They can also encourage the development of recycling infrastructure, offer financial support for MSWM initiatives, and establish penalties for non-compliance. Through fostering collaboration and implementing a comprehensive policy framework, municipalities can create an empowering environment for efficient and sustainable municipal solid MSWM practices.
In conclusion, African cities hold a momentous opportunity to embrace sustainable practices and prioritize comprehensive Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). By doing so, they can achieve remarkable outcomes, including substantial pollution reduction, conservation of valuable resources, and an overall enhancement in residents’ quality of life. Success lies in adopting a multi-faceted approach, engaging public participation, embracing innovative solutions, and fostering an unwavering commitment to long-term sustainability.
About the Author(s)
Dr Emmanuel Etim is the Head of Research at The AR Initiative.
