The Power of Waste Management in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling metropolis, faces a significant waste management challenge. With over five million residents generating approximately 5,300 tonnes of mixed solid waste daily, only about 1,500 tonnes are properly disposed of, leaving around 3,800 tonnes uncollected. This uncollected waste contributes to environmental degradation, public health risks, and urban flooding.
Amidst these challenges, informal waste pickers play a crucial role in mitigating the city’s waste crisis. According to A study about waste pickers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by The International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP), “An estimated 1,267 waste pickers operate in Dar es Salaam, each collecting and trading approximately 20 kilograms of recyclable waste per day. Collectively, they have the potential to recycle up to 25.34 metric tonnes daily.”
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of waste pickers, our organization has been actively involved in recycling initiatives that promote a circular economy and enhance their livelihoods. Since our inception in 2021, we have recycled a total of 6,480 tonnes of plastic and paper waste. Currently, our operations include plastic recycling more than 1,000 tonnes per month, We have four four strategically located waste collection centers that also recycle more than 150 tonnes of paper per month.
Our programs not only provide sustainable income-generating activities but also serve as therapeutic work opportunities for individuals recovering from substance abuse. By integrating waste pickers into formal recycling processes, we offer training in waste management and capacity building, empowering them to operate more efficiently and safely.
The Tanzanian government has acknowledged the pivotal role of waste collectors by incorporating them into the National Development Vision 2050. This inclusion highlights the importance of waste pickers in addressing environmental challenges and underscores their contributions to national development. Our commitment to maintaining a cleaner Dar es Salaam has been recognized through several awards since 2021 transforming waste management into a tool for social justice, economic inclusion, and environmental restoration.
These accolades reflect our dedication to environmental stewardship and the positive impact of our waste management programs. In collaboration with community-based organizations, the private sector, and government stakeholders, we continue to advocate for the formal recognition of waste pickers. By providing necessary resources, fair compensation, and improved working conditions, we aim to transform waste management into a sector that not only preserves the environment but also uplifts the socio-economic status of those involved.
For Tanzania to achieve sustainable waste management, the contributions of waste pickers must be formally recognized and integrated into national and local policies. Waste pickers are not just laborers; they are environmental champions, health defenders, and pillars of the circular economy.
