1. West African giant embraces the fight against plastic waste

Nigeria is late to the party but becoming a leader in tackling solid waste pollution. The country has announced a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic starting in 2025. The move aims to tackle the country's severe plastic pollution problem, which generates over 2.5 million tonnes of waste annually. The Federal Ministry of Environment has already begun leading by example, discontinuing single-use plastics in government offices as of June 25, 2024. This is a belated win though. The country has a (much neglected) national policy on plastic waste management for four years. Observers suggest that other major countries on the continent, including South Africa, should adopt similar measures to combat the growing environmental crisis. Read more

2. Oblivious to another danger from e-smoking

Approximately 95% of disposable vapes and e-cigarette products end up in South African landfills, prompting urgent calls for proper disposal measures. Desco Electronic Recyclers is advocating for producers, sellers, and retailers to implement incentives for customers to return used vapes for safe recycling. This need arises as improper disposal of the devices poses significant environmental and health risks. They contain hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries. The South African government is considering new regulations to address the vaping sector, highlighting the importance of effective waste management practices at both local and national levels. Read more

3. Today’s Number

… is the amount the Global Electronic Product Management Programme in East Africa has received from the Global Environment Facility to counter production of e-waste as well as increasing its circularity in the region.

4. Regulating Kenya’s circular textile market

Kenya absorbed a fifth of China's second-hand clothing exports in 2021, according a new report. This reflects the substantial nature of the “mitumba” market in many East African countries. However, limited sorting and recycling infrastructure on the continent means that much of this clothing ends up in (often illegal) landfills. Kenya, one of the largest importers in Sub-Saharan Africa, has implemented a "Code of Practice for Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products" to better manage these imports. Additionally, the East African Community is developing standards to ensure improved inspection and management of used textiles across the region. Read more

5. How to enforce strict scrap metal rules

The level of criminality involved in the second-hand metal sector can be gleamed from who is championing new rules in South Africa. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is working hard to curb illicit trade and promote fair competition in the country's scrap metal industry. In 2022, South Africa introduced new regulations for the industry. The amendments require all scrap metal dealers to provide comprehensive details about their operations, maintain detailed records for each transaction and ensure employee identity verification. The regulations also mandate dealers to be members of accredited associations and maintain corresponding registers at each operational site. These measures aim to create a robust and sustainable industry that positively contributes to the economy and society.

6. Nigeria in global top 10 in plastic recycling

Size matters. Nigeria's plastic waste recycling market is valued at between $5 and $10 billion, according to the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC). Chief Operating Officer Adamu Garba said during a press conference in Lagos that Nigeria generates about 25 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, ranking 9th globally, but only 15 percent is recycled. The NCIC's report advocates making the economy more circular, reducing plastic pollution and creating jobs in the waste management sector. He urged the federal government to implement a new model, prioritising resource efficiency, reuse and recycling. 

7. Media Monitoring

Every day, we scrutinise local and global media for news regarding the circular economy and waste management in Africa. 

• Circulation: Cape Town recently auctioned carbon credits for $2 million and is reinvesting the profits into urban waste management schemes. The carbon credits were obtained from innovative waste-to-energy projects that convert methane gas from landfill sites into electricity.

• Education: Access Bank (Ghana) has launched the second phase of its 'Waste is Useful' campaign. It aims to train over 150,000 school children in 300 basic schools on recycling and sustainable resource use. The project is implemented in partnership with GoG Aid Foundation and others.

• Revamping: Inqo Investments Ltd, a South African social impact firm, has invested in Flybox Budongo as part of its conservation and rural enterprise project in Uganda. Flybox will produce Black Soldier Fly larvae to upcycle organic waste into high-protein animal feed.

• Scaling: FREEE Recycle, a Nigerian organization addressing the country's significant waste management challenges, has expanded its operations to the UK. The company is focusing on recycling tyres into reusable products through its Integrated Recycling and Manufacturing (IRM) model.

8. Picture of the Day 

A cleaner tackling an illegal dumpsite in Lagos