Solid Waste Management Brief - Good Practice Case Studies
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Abstract: African cities are going through major social and economic transformations and rapidly urbanizing. As the urban populations are growing, so is their solid waste generation. With limited financial, human, and infrastructural solid waste management (SWM) resources, most cities experience many SWM challenges. Nearly half of the waste generated in Africa remains uncollected and is illegally dumped on sidewalks, open spaces, storm drains, rivers, and uncontrolled dumpsites. Uncontrolled waste disposal results in numerous socioeconomic and environmental problems such as water, land, and air pollution which threaten human and animal health and life. Uncollected waste is often burned and produces toxic gases that pollute the air, cause fires, and contribute to climate change. Indiscriminate dumping of waste results in ecological risks such as flooding and landslides and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria, typhoid, dengue fever, and Zika. Moreover, poorly managed dumpsites can harbour dangerous animals and rodents which pose a danger to nearby communities. It is therefore imperative for cities to have functional and sustainable SWM systems.