DAR ES SALAAM: THE government is planning to come up with an efficient waste separation, which is vital for the country’s environmental, economic and social development.
This statement was made on Thursday in Dar es Salaam by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Christina Mndeme, during a meeting with stakeholders from companies involved in producing waste disposal materials.
She said efficient waste separation requires proper infrastructure, including specially designed waste bins with clear, colour-coded labels to identify the type of waste they accommodate, such as biodegradable waste, recyclable materials like plastics and paper and metals.
The deputy PS emphasised the importance of collective efforts to establish a robust and sustainable system for waste management.
“We need to work together to create an effective system, including educating the public to foster a common understanding of waste sorting,” she said.
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Ms Mndeme said that waste separation at the source where it is generated, is one of the best strategies for simplifying recycling and reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.
She revealed that Tanzania produces approximately 14.4 to 20.7 million tonnes of solid waste annually, equivalent to an average of 0.66 to 0.95 kilogrammes per person per day.
She explained that the composition of solid waste in the country includes garden and wood waste 30 per cent, food scraps 37 per cent, paper 11 per cent, glass 4 per cent, textiles 2 per cent, ash 8 per cent and electronic waste 0.5 per cent.
However, Ms Mndeme said the level of household waste separation in some regions and institutions remains unsatisfactory. Statistics indicate that less than 50 per cent of the waste generated in most urban areas is collected, with only 5–10 per cent of the collected waste being recycled mainly plastics, paper, metals and aluminium.
“Over 70 per cent of the costs associated with solid waste management are spent on transporting waste to landfills,” Ms Mndeme said, adding that the financial burden often overwhelms local councils, leading to improper disposal in unauthorised areas.
In response, she said the government has implemented various measures, including enacting the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Management and Control Regulations (2021) and reviewing the 2009 Solid Waste Management and Control Regulations.
These efforts are at an advanced stage. Additionally, Ms Mndeme explained that the Vice-President’s Office has developed a National Waste Management Strategy aimed at improving infrastructure to reduce environmental pollution.
This initiative involves collaboration with government institutions, the private sector and citizens, while promoting a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable raw materials and products, she noted.
During the meeting, the Cello Industries (T) Limited’s Human Resource Manager, Ndenkunde Kaaya, commended the proposals made by Ms Mndeme, expressing the company’s support for the government’s efforts to improve waste management.
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He stated that Cello Industries is committed to contributing to the realisation of these goals through innovation and active participation in the waste management value chain.
“Such initiatives not only improve public health and environmental sustainability but also create opportunities for economic growth through recycling and value addition,” he explained. Adding that, with stakeholders aligned, Tanzania is poised to make significant progress in sustainable waste management.
