UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA

School of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science Programme

Introduction of a Recycling system for sustainable

municipal solid waste management: A case study

on the greater Banjul area of the Gambia

Hon. Dr. Edward Saja Sanneh

CONTENTS

• Introduction

• Sustainable MSWM in the GBA

• Challenges of solid waste management in the GBA

• Composition of MSW in GBA

• Introduction of a recycling system

• Proposed sustainable MSWM model for Gambia

• Discussions

• Conclusions2

INTRODUCTION

• Economic development induces environmental degradation with long-term social consequences

• A significant increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) has been noted, yet there is no efficient management system

• The scenario so far has not properly integrated other solutions like collection, treatment, reuse, reprocessing, and final disposal.

• Integrated waste management strategies like recycling, would ensure sustainability

3

Sustainable MSWM in the GBA

4

Authorities in charge of waste management need to modernize their processes. Recycling technology is a key part of the solution.

A model has been developed which suggest the involvement of stakeholders for sustainable MSWM.

The open dump approach is leading to severe environmental consequences

Resource recovery, not waste disposal, must be the ultimate goal

Mandatory sorting of waste at household level would help greatly in making recycling activity successful.

Geographical representation of the GBA

5

Major challenges of solid waste management in the GBA

Lack of or inadequate level of environmental management

at city level

Open dump sites

Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste

Irregular waste collection as a result of lack of vehicles

Lack of civil society involvement

6

Composition of MSW in GBA

Source: Solid Waste Management Study for GBA and Brikama – Waste Survey Report

7

Impact of non-collection of solid waste in Gambia

Visual impacts (smoke, flames, fumes)

Impact on air quality (PM, TSP, odour)

Impact on surface water (acidification, eutrophication)

Impact on groundwater quality (leachate, coliform, bacteria)

8

Results of the laboratory test of collected water samples from the dump site

Source: The Gambia Environmental Quality Monitoring and Enforcement & Support for the Bakoteh Dumpsite Waste

Management Study

9

Introduction of a recycling system

Open dumping a major source of environmental pollution. 10

☺ Change from the disposal-centric approach toward recovery-

centric approach of waste management.

☺ This paradigm shift requires public participation by regulating

and monitoring waste collection and disposal.

☺ In a world of limited resources, recovery is fundamental to

sustainable development.

Introduction of a recycling system

► The millennium development goal targets are poverty reduction, improvement of quality of life, and environmental sustainability (Rio +20)

► Integrate all technical, economic, social, cultural, and psychological factors that are often ignored in solid waste programs

►Accordingly, 3R initiatives, to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle waste

► Sustainable options can achieve economic viability, conserve resources and avert ecological risk.

11

The crucial factor for a successful recycling of MSW

◙ Social factors , education, waste characterization, collection, household and personnel education, resource recovery, laws and regulations, financial resources can improve MSWM

◙ Utilizing scavengers as a legitimate agent of MSWM, represents a perfect illustration of sustainable development

Jobs are created, poverty is reduced, resources are conserved, pollution is reduced, and the environment protected

◙ Such a system-wide perception has the potential to make significant improvements in MSWM

12

Collaboration web for sustainable MSWM (Source: Sustainable recycling of municipal solid waste in developing countries Alexis M.

Troschinetz *, James R. Mihelcic)

Collaboration Model

13

The crucial factor for a successful recycling of MSW

☼ Collaboration through active participation of all parties working toward a common goal i.e. material recovery

☼ Educating the MSWM laborers and managers in understanding the characteristics of the waste stream will promote efficiency

☼ Government policy provides the regulations needed to formulate the MSWM plan

14

Proposed sustainable waste management model for Gambia

♥ Shifting from end-of-pipe control and open dumping to source management

♥ Introduction of motorbikes with trailers, along with separation of waste

♥ Scavengers at the dump site to be incorporated in recycling activities to improve the existing system

♥ Source reduction, reuse, and recycling are the most preferred methods, followed by composting, incineration, and landfills

15

Scheme for the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in the GBA

16

Resource recycling

® As landfill sites fill up, the real alternative to incineration is recycling

® In both developing and developed countries, recycling generates jobs, less pollution, and sustainable

® The production and disposal of large amount of waste represents squandering the earth’s resources (Limits to growth)

17

Environmental

Social Economic

Sustainable

Mandatory waste sorting

● The sorting of wastes creates raw materials, which are used in manufacturing new products. Thus, the exploitation of virgin materials is reduced

● This also results in the lowering of the amount of waste, which ends up at landfills

● The sorting of hazardous waste prevents toxic and explosive substances from descending into landfills

● Sorting waste is also economically viable.

18

Upgrading waste management system

Socioeconomic conditions, operating environment, and actions of the municipal government should be considered

MSWM is meant for the public, without the public’s cooperation, the system cannot be sustainable

With proper education and campaign programs, recycling could be started in the country

The approach’s main strategic objectives should include the following:

• Create a marketing program for recyclable materials

• Encourage economic growth related to recycling.

• Enhance feasible policies for converting recycled materials into commercial products.

• Provide technical assistance and training for individuals engaged in recycling.

19

20

Proposed waste management concept for GBA

▫ Dumper trucks are expensive to buy and maintain, thus we propose the use of motorbikes with trailers

▫ Resource management strategies, better policy frameworks can further aid in encouraging recycling in the Gambia

▫ The recycling system should integrate to the effect that communities, local garbage collection teams, scrap dealers will all work together to create a system

▫ The human well being of current and future generations must address social, environmental and economic aspects of human needs

21

Discussions

Conclusions

◊ The economic and social development of Gambia to take into account the protection of the environment

◊ Suggestions/proposals have been made to clear wastes by door-to-door collection, using motorbikes with trailers, separating recyclables from non-recyclables

◊ Financial and human resources, legal institutional framework are fundamental components

◊ The success of a recycling program depends on the active and sustained participation of citizens in the correct separation and collection

22

Penetration rate of selected EEE (in installed units per capita)Source: Basel Convention e-waste aFriCa program, December 2011

Importation of Used ICT Products (e-waste)

23

24

Current end of life management of used ICT products in West Africa

25

Proposed EPR model to enhance flow of used ICT products to West in Africa

26

27