1.Power cuts and EVs drive battery crisis

Power cuts have made batteries essential for a growing number of Africans. The solar sector is booming and with it energy storage. But many lithium batteries are now starting to expire. The spread of EVs will lead to an even greater volume of batteries, posing a significant disposal challenge within a few years. Much of Africa is unprepared to recycle lithium batteries at scale, raising fears of an environmental crisis due to hazardous waste. Little thought has been given to what should happen to lithium batteries at the end of their life, unlike lead-acid batteries which are 98% recyclable. Read more

2. Only 70% of Accra’s waste is collected

The Ghanaian capital is grappling with a waste management crisis. At least 30% of its waste remains uncollected, exacerbating chronic flooding caused by clogged gutters. This despite the efforts of waste company Zoomlion, which has a 80% market share, and local "Aboboyaa" operators handling the remaining 20%. The absence of a proper landfill necessitates a 100-km round trip to the Eastern region for disposal, delaying subsequent collections. Regular clean-ups have not stemmed the tide of waste. Only 20% are recycled.The city has  introduced recycling plants in all 16 district to address the issue. However, improper disposal by some operators, in unauthorised locations and at night, further complicates the city's waste woes.

3. Today’s Number

… is the percentage of waste in the Tunisian coastal marine environment that is primarily plastic, according to data from the WWF's "Adopt a Beach" campaign volunteers and participants.

4. Rwanda’s $72m waste management facility

A new $72m waste management facility is planned in Kigali, Rwanda, to be completed by 2026.The facility will cover 50 hectares but have no open dumpsites. It aims to treat household and other waste to prevent environmental hazards. The goal is to address mixed waste, which raises sorting costs, and leachate, which contaminates soil and water. The facility will have infrastructure for waste reception, handling and sorting, along with a leachate treatment plant. Read more

5. UN waste targets look in doubt

African countries urgently need financial support to combat escalating plastic pollution. The UN has highlighted the necessity of funding to address resource and technology shortages as part of its global commitment to end plastic pollution. By 2030, plastic waste in Africa is expected to double to 165 million tonnes, worsening waste management challenges. Currently, some African nations recycle less than 5% of their plastic waste, necessitating substantial investment in recycling infrastructure. Improper disposal leads to severe environmental issues and serious health risks. The economic burden is significant, with Africa bearing the brunt of global plastic production. Global collaboration and international funding are crucial for developing effective waste management strategies and robust regulatory frameworks.

6. SA initiative turns paper waste into ethanol

A groundbreaking initiative in Africa is converting paper waste into ethanol through a specialised fermentation process. Led by a collaboration of industry and academic partners, the process reduces landfill waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and improves water reclamation. Economically, waste-derived bioethanol commands premium prices and offers opportunities for sustainable employment and regional economic development. Utilising a mobile, containerized unit with a 1,000-litre bioreactor, the project efficiently processes paper sludge into valuable ethanol. This initiative supports the circular economy and industrial decarbonization. It has gained global recognition for its environmental benefits, including GHG reduction and fossil-fuel substitution.

7. Lagos to get power from waste 

The Nigerian government aims to recycle waste in the commercial capital Lagos to produce electricity, contributing to the diversification of the city's energy mix. Lagos authorities have partnered with Harvest Waste, a Dutch company, to build a solid waste recovery plant near the Epe landfill site. This facility will supply electricity to approximately 40,000 households for at least 25 years. The plant, with a treatment capacity of 2,250 tonnes of waste per day, will produce 60 to 75 megawatts (MW) of baseload electricity. This will enhance energy security and reduce dependence on the national grid.

8. Media Monitoring

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

• Jordan’s Aluminium Products Company (Alucop) has inaugurated a new plant in Berrechid, Morocco, to enhance its recycling operations, including for copper and aluminium.

• A Coca-Cola Foundation project in seven African islands aims to reduce plastic waste by collecting 14,000 tons and recycling 5,600 tons.

• The River Nile, the world's second-longest, is now drowning in plastic waste, despite being crucial to 11 countries, including Egypt and Sudan.

• Alpla is building its first plastics recycling plant in South Africa, a 35,000-tonne facility set to start operations in early 2025.

• Retailer Pick n Pay boosts e-waste recycling with 29 in-store bins in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal regions, empowering shoppers to reduce e-waste and support job creation.

9. Picture of the Day 

Eastern Cape students win top prize for an eco-friendly stove powered by dung and food waste.