Transforming the waste management landscape in Central Africa: the rise of incinerators

In recent years, the waste management landscape in Central Africa has undergone significant transformations. As the region’s population continues to grow, so does the volume of waste generated. However, traditional waste management practices have struggled to keep pace with this growth, leading to environmental degradation, public health problems and social unrest. To meet these challenges, Central African governments and private companies are increasingly turning to incinerators as a key solution.

The challenges of waste management in Central Africa

The waste management sector in Central Africa faces many challenges. Limited infrastructure, inadequate funding and lack of public awareness are just some of the issues hindering effective waste management in the region. In many countries, waste is either thrown into landfills, burned in the open, or sent to informal dumpsites, leading to environmental and health problems. For example, in Cameroon, a significant portion of the capital’s waste is not collected, and what is collected is often not treated or disposed of properly, leading to landfill overflows and environmental pollution.

The rise of incinerators in Central Africa

Incinerators, also called waste-to-energy plants, are designed to burn waste in the presence of oxygen, producing heat and electricity while reducing the volume of waste. In recent years, incinerators have emerged as a promising solution to waste management challenges in Central Africa. The region’s first incinerator was commissioned in 2018 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with a capacity to process 100,000 tonnes of waste per year. Since then, other countries have followed suit, with incinerators under construction or planned in countries such as Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville and Equatorial Guinea.

Advantages of incinerators in Central Africa

Incinerators offer several benefits to the waste management landscape in Central Africa. Firstly, they provide a reliable and efficient way to manage large volumes of waste, thereby reducing the need for landfills and minimizing the risk of environmental pollution. Second, incinerators can produce electricity and heat, making them a viable source of renewable energy. Third, they can reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, thereby extending the life of these facilities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, incinerators can be designed to capture and clean emissions, minimizing air pollution and health risks.

Challenges and controversies surrounding incinerators

Despite the benefits of incinerators, they are not without controversy. Critics argue that incinerators are expensive to build and maintain and may not be effective at treating all types of waste. Additionally, incinerators can produce pollutants such as dioxins and heavy metals, which can pose health risks if not properly managed. In Central Africa, where infrastructure and regulation are often limited, concerns about emissions from incinerators and waste sorting are heightened.

Facing challenges and controversies

To address the challenges and controversies surrounding incinerators, Central African governments and private companies must work together to ensure that these facilities are designed, built and operated with environmental and health considerations in mind. This includes investing in waste sorting and separation technologies, ensuring appropriate emissions management, and implementing robust public education campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits and limitations of incinerators.

Conclusion

Transforming the waste management landscape in Central Africa will require a combination of traditional and innovative approaches. Incinerators offer a promising solution for managing large volumes of waste while producing energy and reducing the need for landfills. However, it is crucial that governments and private companies work together to address the challenges and controversies surrounding incinerators, ensuring that these facilities are designed and operated with environmental and health considerations in mind. In doing so, Central Africa can embark on a sustainable path towards a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future.