By Alfred Zacharia
With the growing challenge of waste management in Tanzania’s rapidly urbanizing cities, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent.
Every year, the country generates millions of tons of solid waste, yet a large portion of this waste is left unmanaged, causing environmental hazards and public health risks.
However, this situation presents an opportunity to rethink how we approach waste — turning it from a burden into a resource.
As the world celebrates International Waste Removal Day on March 30, 2025, the focus is on making waste management a sustainable practice that benefits both the environment and the economy.
According to Khamis Hamza Khamis, the Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Tanzania generates approximately seven million tons of solid waste annually, however, only 45 to 50 percent of this waste is collected and properly disposed of in landfills.
The remaining 50 to 55 percent is left unmanaged, creating significant environmental pollution, clogging rivers, and blocking drainage systems.
"Statistics from the 2022 National Population and Housing Census show that 40 percent of households burn their waste, while 22 percent rely on regular collection services," Deputy Minister Khamis explained, underscoring the urgent need for improved waste management systems in the country.
Research indicates that over 60 percent of the waste produced in urban areas could be recycled or reused, but poor collection and management practices result in most of it being discarded improperly.
"This situation poses serious threats to public health, the economy, and the environment as a whole," the Deputy Minister warned.
In response to these challenges, the Tanzanian government, through the Vice President’s Office and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), has introduced comprehensive waste management strategies based on the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" principle.
"We are advocating for modern recycling technologies, increased investment in recycling industries, and better waste collection systems to minimize waste, enhance reuse, and ensure proper waste processing," he elaborated.
He also praised the private sector for its active role in waste collection, recycling, and processing, which has created jobs and contributed to cleaner environments.
"The rapid growth of economic activities and population has significantly contributed to the surge in waste production," Deputy Minister Khamis pointed out, highlighting the textile and fashion industry as a primary contributor.
"Fast fashion encourages constant purchasing and disposal of clothing, exacerbating the burden of textile waste. We need to encourage longer use of clothing, improve textile waste collection systems, and invest in recycling industries that can transform discarded fabrics into new products," he added.
He called on various stakeholders, including textile manufacturers, suppliers, traders, and the general public, to support efforts aimed at achieving zero waste in the fashion industry.
"This is not only an environmental issue but also an economic opportunity. Investing in textile recycling can create jobs and add value to our industrial sector," said.
The Director General of NEMC Ms. Immaculata Semesi also addressed the attendees at the International Zero Waste Day event, celebrated annually on March 30 at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds.
"This day aims to raise public awareness about the environmental impact of waste and promote sustainable resource use. It is a day for governments, the private sector, and communities to shift towards a circular economy, contributing to a cleaner environment for current and future generations," she said.
This year’s global theme is "Enabling Zero Waste in the Textile and Fashion Industry," while Tanzania’s national theme is "Waste is an Opportunity."
She emphasized that the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" principle is central to sustainable waste management and encouraged society to adopt better practices for resource utilization to prevent environmental pollution.
"The first step is to reduce waste by limiting the use of unnecessary products or items that generate excessive waste. In the textile sector, this means reducing the production of low-quality garments, promoting durable fabrics, and avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals in textile processing. Companies should use eco-friendly raw materials, such as organic cotton and long-lasting natural fibers," she explained.
Reusing products instead of discarding them is another key step.
"In the fashion industry, old fabrics can be redesigned into new clothing, and consumers should be encouraged to wear garments for longer periods rather than constantly disposing of them. Organizations and factories can implement take-back programs for used clothing, repurposing them into items like hand towels or dust cloths, Ms. Semesi said"
Recycling waste into new products is the final phase of sustainable waste management. "In the fashion industry, old fabrics can be recycled into new fibers for garments, mattresses, and even construction materials like home insulation.
Investing in textile waste processing technologies, such as machines that recycle cotton and polyester, will significantly reduce the volume of textile waste sent to landfills," the Deputy Minister noted.
By embracing the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" approach, Tanzania can promote a circular economy, fostering a society that values sustainable resource use.
"We encourage the use of eco-friendly raw materials, innovative clothing designs that last longer, and textile recycling to minimize landfill waste," she concluded.
The government, through NEMC, is committed to implementing this approach across all sectors to protect the environment for both current and future generations. Citing the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 191, and the Solid Waste Management Regulations of 2009, the Deputy Minister emphasized that local government authorities are responsible for waste management.
"If a local authority fails to fulfill its duty, NEMC will intervene, and the costs incurred will be charged to the respective local government," he warned.
Additionally, Section 187(1)(b) of the law stipulates penalties for individuals who pollute the environment or fail to manage waste properly.
"Polluters may face penalties and may be required to bear the full cost of cleaning up the polluted areas," he explained.
The government’s waste management guidelines focus on several key areas, including developing sustainable waste collection and recycling systems, enhancing public-private partnerships, promoting public education on waste handling, and advancing research and innovation in recycling technologies.
"Waste is an opportunity," the Deputy Minister declared, urging the public to shift their mindset and view waste as a valuable resource. "Waste can be reused, recycled, or converted into valuable products, reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainability."
He outlined examples of how various types of waste, including solid, liquid, and gaseous waste, can be turned into opportunities.
For example, food scraps can be repurposed as animal feed or transformed into biogas and fertilizer. Plastic waste can be used to make flower pots or sold to recycling industries. Scrap metal and electrical wires can also be recycled and sold to appropriate industries.
With Dar es Salaam's large population and numerous businesses generating significant waste, the Deputy Minister reminded the community of the economic benefits of recycling, such as job creation for young people and increased income for individuals.
"Waste management presents an opportunity for youth to engage in self-employment and generate income," he concluded, encouraging innovative approaches to waste collection, recycling, and sustainable waste management practices.
