Overview

The release of large amounts of waste into the environment has been steadily increasing over the years due to rapid economic growth, increasing population, and urbanization with its associated increased resource consumption. According to the 2008 waste framework directive, waste is defined as any substance that the holder discards, intends to or is required to discard. Waste materials are generated from manufacturing processes, industries, and municipal solid wastes. Some of the most common sources of waste are as follows; domestic waste, commercial waste, animal waste, biomedical waste, construction waste, industrial solid waste, hazardous wastes, biodegradable, and non-biodegradable wastes.

Waste and Pollution

Waste is mostly managed improperly, especially in developing countries. It is either dumped in the countryside or burned openly and this results in environmental pollution that affects humans and the environment through the contamination of soil, water, and atmosphere. The main pathways of exposure are inhalation, especially through emissions from incinerators and landfills, consumption of water (for example water contaminated with landfill leachate), the food chain (food contaminated with bacteria and viruses from land spreading of sewage and manure, and food enriched with persistent organic chemicals that may be released from incinerators).

Sources of waste (generation)

  • Municipal solid waste (MSW): This includes garbage or trash consisting of daily use items which we throw away after use such as batteries, paints, appliances, newspapers, food scraps, clothing furniture, etc. This is generated from industries, hospitals, schools, and houses. The common methods mostly used for managing MSW are open dumping and landfilling with both methods having negative effects on people and the environment. (E.g., methane gas generation which promotes global warming and labor issues).
  • Residential/Household wastes: Residential wastes are mostly solid in nature. The production of residential waste depends on the economy and size of the residential area: Large areas with high-income level are found to generate important levels of household waste and as such the problem associated with managing residential waste will continually increase with rising income levels and increasing urbanization if proper management strategies are not developed.
  • Commercial waste: waste generated in commercial establishments like shops, printers, offices, go downs, etc. They include. Packing materials, spoiled goods, vegetables and meat remnants, polythene, printer paper, etc.
  • Agricultural wastes: These are the residual materials produced during the growth and cultivation of agricultural crops, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, and poultry. It consists of waste from food processing, animal waste, crop waste, and hazardous waste (insecticides, pesticides, etc.).
  • Biomedical/Hospital waste: They are mostly considered hazardous and toxic. These are waste types which are collected from the vaccination or treatment of living beings which may be in the form of liquid or solid waste from clinical laboratories, biological and pathological labs, and repositories such as bowls, syringes, and ampulla. Indiscriminate and careless disposal of biomedical waste from healthcare laboratories promotes the risk of spreading harmful diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. These types of wastes are mostly managed more properly in developed nations as compared to the developing ones.
  • Industrial waste: The solid waste originating from industrial areas results in soil, water, and air pollution. During industrial production, industrial waste such as waste residues, fuel residues, mining waste, smelting, chemical processing, etc. are generated.

Waste Classifications

  • Biodegradable wastes: waste that can be decomposed by natural processes and converted into the elemental form. E.g., Kitchen garbage, animal dung., etc.
  • Non-biodegradable waste: waste that cannot be decomposed and remains as such in the environment. They are persistent and can cause various problems. E.g., Plastics, nuclear waste, and glass.
  • Hazardous waste: They have unique properties such as persistence, reactivity, ignitability, corrosivity, and toxicity and these characteristics make them potentially dangerous to human health and environment. The hazardous waste rules state that it is the responsibility of the industry that produces such waste to handle, treat, and dispose of it . Industrialization has led to a significant increase in hazardous industrial waste.
  • Liquid waste: this includes wastewater generated from shops, fuel depots, mines, quarries, vessels, factories, offices, and homes. As such sources of wastewater can be domestic, industrial, and agricultural. Water pollution has become a dangerous problem, especially in developing countries.

Solid Waste Management in the African Context

In Africa, solid waste management varies significantly from one country to another, but access to reliable statistics can be challenging due to limited resources and data collection infrastructure. However, there are some general insights on the state of solid waste management in Africa as of January 2022.

  • Waste Generation: Waste generation in Africa has been increasing steadily due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. The World Bank estimated that waste generation in sub-Saharan Africa could triple by 2050.
  • Waste Collection: Many African countries face challenges in providing adequate waste collection services, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas. The percentage of waste collected varies widely from country to country.
  • Waste Disposal: Landfilling is a common method of waste disposal in Africa. However, many landfills are poorly managed and lack proper infrastructure for environmental protection, posing health and environmental risks.
  • Recycling: Recycling rates are generally low in Africa. There are initiatives and informal recycling sectors in some urban areas, but they often lack proper infrastructure and support.
  • Waste-to-Energy: Waste-to-energy facilities, such as incinerators or biogas plants, are relatively scarce in Africa compared to other regions.
  • Open Dumping: Open dumping and uncontrolled waste disposal practices are prevalent in many areas, leading to environmental pollution and public health issues.
  • Informal Sector: In many African cities, the informal sector plays a significant role in waste collection and recycling. These workers often operate without proper safety equipment or job security.
  • Regulations and Policies: Many African countries have limited regulatory frameworks and policies for solid waste management. There is a need for stronger environmental regulations and enforcement.
  • International Aid and Programs: International organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, are involved in initiatives to improve waste management in some African countries. These programs aim to increase access to waste services, promote recycling, and enhance waste infrastructure.

It is important to note that there is significant diversity among African nations in terms of economic development, infrastructure, and waste management practices. Some countries have made significant progress in addressing waste management challenges, while others continue to struggle with inadequate resources and infrastructure.

Consulting Reports and publications from organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and regional organizations provide the most up-to-date and detailed statistics on solid waste management in specific African countries and environmental sustainability in Africa. Additionally, local government and non-governmental organizations in each country may provide more detailed data and insights.

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