Improvement of the Waste Management System in Senegalmjbas.com/data/uploads/4008.pdf · Mauritania, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau to the north, east and south respectively. It

Mediterranean Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences (MJBAS)

(Referred International Journal), Volume 2, Issue 3, Pages 105-126, July-September 2018

105 | P a g e ISSN (Online): 2581-5059 Website: www.mjbas.com

Improvement of the Waste Management System in Senegal

Kimbi Yaah Velma Beri MSc Environmental Sanitation, Gent University, Belgium.

PhD candidate, Environmental Engineering, Oulu University, Finland. Email: [email protected]

Article Received: 24 March 2018 Article Accepted: 29 July 2018 Article Published: 12 September 2018

1. INTRODUCTION

Waste, according to the 2008 waste framework directive is defined as any substance that the holder discards,

intends or is required to discard (Directive 2008/98/EC). Waste is classified into different groups based on their

environmental and health risks. Six of these classes are; liquid, hazardous, special, restricted solid, general

non-putrescible solid and general putrescible solid wastes (Waste classification guidelines, 2009). Waste

management refers to the collection, recovery and disposal of waste including the option for waste reduction

(Productivity commission inquiry report, 2006).

World cities generate about 1.3billion tons of solid waste every year and this is expected to increase to

approximately 2.2billion tons by the year 2025. Solid waste management cost is expected to increase from $205.4

to $375.5 billion in 2025. This cost is projected to be more severe in low and lower middle-income countries

(Hoornweg and Perinaz, March 2012).

Global increase in population and economic growth are major contributors to the huge amounts of waste generated.

The accumulation of waste in the environment causes soil and water contamination, deterioration of land and

habitat (Georgi Arzumanyan, 2004). It is stipulated that about 80% of diseases in developing countries are linked to

poor waste management (Emma Selin, 2013). The waste hierarchy pyramid developed in the European waste

framework directive is a solution to waste management worldwide. This is farfetched in developing countries

where disposal in open dumps is still common practice.

AB STRAC T

A rapid increase in the world‟s population and consequently a tremendous increase in the amount of waste generated is a global problem. Waste

management however in the low and middle-income countries is still neglected despite its importance in environmental management. Senegal being

a developing country faces similar challenges. This study on the improvement of the waste management in Senegal seeks to examine the existing

waste management policies, legislations and systems in Senegal, identify its shortcomings and propose measures for improvement. The study was

limited to the highly populated cities of Dakar, Touba and Thiès. The European waste framework directive was used as a pointer that could be

adapted in Senegal to improve on its waste management system over time. It was discovered that open dumps were still common placed in Senegal

with the popular overburdened waste dump site at Mbeubeuss serving the entire population of Dakar with no waste sorting being carried out.

Occasional burning to provide space for incoming waste and auto incineration leading to the release of obnoxious gases that are detrimental both to

the environment and human health. The waste collection services are poor and the waste tax collection system is weak. Implementing the waste

hierarchy adopted in Europe can be recommended paying attention to recycling, reuse and composting. The tax system for the collection of

household waste should be enhanced, public participation encouraged and more clauses on waste management should be introduced in the laws and

sanctions rightly dished out in case of non-compliance.

Keywords: Waste, Waste management, Waste hierarchy, Waste tax, Waste generation.

mailto:[email protected]




1.1 Background

Senegal has a surface area of about 196712 km², located at the western part of mainland Africa and borders with

Mauritania, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau to the north, east and south respectively. It has a population of

about 12171265 inhabitants as per the year 2009. This is double the population in the late eighties indicating a

growth rate of 2.5%. Population is unevenly distributed with the highest populations in the West and Centre regions

of the country (Papa Demba, 2010).

Senegal imports 70% of its food supplies (USDA foreign agricultural service, 2010). Since 2006, the economy of

Senegal experienced a decline due to the global increase in the food and oil prices (Papa Demba, 2010). However,

in 2011, the Gross domestic product increased by 4% and this trend is expected to continue (UNEP RISØ, June

2013).

One third of its population lives below the national poverty line. Fishing and tourism industries are the main

industrial activities in Senegal. The fishing industry is experiencing a decline due to over fishing and water

pollution (Papa Demba et al, January 2010). Electricity shortage and outages are also commonplace in Senegal. A

study carried out on electric power outages in the productivity of small and medium size enterprises in Senegal

indicated that the average loss in businesses is 5.1% which is higher than the world average. 57% of total businesses

reported electricity as their major concern. Thiès leads in both the number and length of power outages with

respectively 35times a month and duration of 3hours outage on average (Lassana Cissocho, November 2013).

The rapid growth in the Senegalese population especially in large cities like Dakar, has led to a significant rise in

the production of household waste. Since independence, different companies like SOADIP, SIAS handled waste

management in the capital city but due to management problems and bankruptcy, they were shutdown. Presently, a

French company Veolia is in charge of waste management. Veolia collects about 475000tons of waste and dumps

in Mbeubeuss, a suburb around the city. Waste is not treated (Ahmadou Aly, 2008).

The government of Senegal and its department of environment are working hand in glove to improve the

environmental management of industrial waste, PCB‟s and the illegal transportation of hazardous waste. Senegal is

the regional centre for the Basel and Stockholm convention in French speaking Africa (Ibrahim Shafii, 2008).

1.2 Problem statement

In low and middle-income countries, waste management is neglected despite its importance in environmental

management. Environmental and health risks are caused by the inadequate and unreliable services offered by the

waste management systems (Michele Adamoski, 2010).

Increase in population is a main contributor to the increase in the amounts of waste produced. Lifestyle of Africans

are changing as they become westernized. Previously, most of the waste constituted of organic biodegradable




material. This has changed with the importation of goods from the western world in non-biodegradable containers

that are dumped in uncontrolled dumps, leading to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and

methane, groundwater contamination, land degradation and reduction in habitable space (Tapong Sylvester, 2002).

There is a quest to solve these.

1.3 Objectives and purpose

The objective of this study is:

- To examine the existing waste management policies, legislations and systems in Senegal,

- To identify the shortcomings, setbacks and failures of the present waste management system and

- To propose measures to improve the waste management system and adequately manage the waste

generated in Senegal.

1.4 Scope

More than half of the Senegalese population is found in Dakar, Touba and Thiès. Findings are directed to these

cities, as population growth is a major contributor to waste generation.

1.5 Methodology

Information is gotten from reports and previous write-ups on waste management and the internet.

A comparative assessment will be done between the environmental policy and legislative context of Senegal and

that of the European waste framework directive.

1.6 Hypothesis

Good waste management practices will be beneficial to the Senegalese population leading to a decrease in vector

diseases like malaria breeding sites. The National agency of statistics and demography predicted that the

unemployment rate in urban areas for 2012 would be 12.9% and 18.6% in Dakar (Oscar Kamara, 2012).

Composting for manure production, waste reuse and recycling will produce job opportunities for the unemployed

inhabitants. Waste management will help in depolluting the waters and boost the fishing industry, being one of the

main industries in the country.

2. POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT OF SENEGAL AND THE EUROPEAN

LEGISLATION ON WASTE

2.1 Policy and legislative context

Senegal is a democratic and decentralized republic with three branches of government; the executive, the

legislative and the judiciary. Most legislations in Senegal are in the form of codes (Horace Sègnoma, March 2009).

The environment, forest, water and mines codes, discussed further.




2.1.1 Code de l’environnement (No 2001-01) and Decree (No 2001-282)

In titles I and II, environmental terms like waste, impact assessment, waste management to name a few are defined.

Provides basic principles for environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Power transfer

from the state to local authorities for environmental protection. Public and private institution involvement in

environmental issues.

Emphasis on proper waste disposal, monitoring of harmful and hazardous chemicals by a competent department

and the control of use by a national committee.

Titles III and IV provide a list of substances whose deposition into marine and midland waters is prohibited and a

parameter to be considered when calculating the pollutant load from spills. This establishes the annual tax

pollution. Outlines various criminal penalties regarding setbacks in operational compliance with the environmental

law.

2.1.2 Mining Code (Law No 2003-36 of 24th November 2003)

Titles I and II describe permits depending on the activity to be carried out; prospecting authorization, exploration

permit, and authorisation of opening and exploiting quarries respectively. The mining code does not govern liquid

and gaseous hydrocarbons and underground waters. It forbids the use of discovered substances for commercial

purposes.

Titles III and IV state that, Permits can be granted to both nationals and internationals. Due to the high demand,

priority is given to those offering best conditions for the state. Permit holders are obliged to rehabilitate the

exploited sites and preserve probable reserves.

Titles V and VI state that artisanal and small mine exploiters are obliged to rehabilitate the sites taking into account

hygiene and environmental preservation. Boundaries such as substances to be extracted and the quantity are set for

temporal permit holders.

According to titles VII and VIII, the exploitation of heaps and slags follow a decree from the Minister in charge of

mines. Fiscal and custom duties associated with each permit type and a yearly payment of 3% of the value of the

mining site as tax. Permit holders are exempted from fiscal and custom duties during the validity and renewal of

their permits. They are exempted from paying taxes while importing materials, and equipment for the realization of

the project. Any foreign staff employed by a mining titleholder and living in Senegal, is exempted from taxes for

the importation of their personal belongings.

Titles IX and X indicate that mining titleholders are to use materials and services of Senegalese origin as long as the

services are of good quality. They reserve the right to use reserved or unused waterfalls for their activities, cut




necessary woods for works and extract building materials and metals needed for their operations. Environmental

protection is emphasized, prohibition of exploiting in protected zones. Preventive measures for public and

underground water protection.

2.1.3 Loi n° 81-13 du 4 mars 1981 portant Code de l’Eau (Water code)

Explanatory statement: Water is highly prioritized. During the fifth plan, 60 billion francs was invested in the

water sector to resolve drought uncertainties. By 1990, 150 billion francs was allocated to similar projects as well as

the realization of wells and boreholes for irrigation schemes. This code contains provisions erected by the United

Nations as basic principles for good water management and standards defined by the World Health Organization.

Titles I and II embody water use and qualitative water protection. A Ministerial authorization is needed for water

extraction through wells and boreholes. Fight against water pollution and provisions related to spills, discharges,

direct deposit of material that can degrade ground or surface water. The protection of water against pollution from

the oil-polluted deltas, estuaries and mangroves is done in accordance with the provisions of the international

convention for the prevention of marine pollution, signed on the 12th of May 1984 in London. Individual wells for

human consumption is allowed if precaution is taken to prevent contamination from close by latrines, septic tanks,

garbage and cemeteries. Anyone offering water to the public for human consumption free of charge or levied

should ensure that the water meets the standards defined in this title. Summarizing titles III to VI, these comprise of

human consumption of water and delimiting protected areas to preserve sampling points from pollution risks that

could arise from nearby facilities. Criminal offences are listed and the penalties to be dished out accordingly.

2.1.4 Code forestier Loi No 98/03 du 08 Janvier 1998

The Forestry code allocates authority to local authorities, based on the principle of liberty and proximity. (Diaw

Omar, 2006). Titles I and II elaborate the exploitation and the usage rights assigned to forestry resources. The

national forest policy defines the economic, social and ecological value of the national forest. The payment of tax

for commercial exploitation of forest resources on the national forestry estate.

The taxes are used to preserve forest resources. Residents in national forest estate areas have the right to gather

straw, wood, harvest food and fruits for home consumption. Offenses are handled by the local court and the

Ministry of bailiffs can work alongside the forestry agents. Timber products from protected species harvested

without permission and all forest products marketed in a fraudulent manner are confiscated. Titles III and IV

allocate responsibility for the protection and preservation of national resources to water and forestry agents. They

calculate the percentage and distribution of fines.

2.2 European legislation on waste

The sub chapters describing the main elements of EU waste legislation are: Waste framework legislation, Waste

treatment legislation and Waste stream legislation (Figure 1)




2.2.1 The waste framework legislation

The Waste Framework directive 208/98/EC establishes a legal framework aimed at controlling the entire waste

cycle from production to elimination focuses on recovery and recycling. It aims at protecting the environment and

human health preventing the harmful effects of waste generation and waste management. The EU has a legal

framework for the management, recovery and proper elimination of hazardous waste. Member states have to follow

the waste hierarchy. By the year 2020, 50% and 70% of household wastes, construction and demolition wastes have

to be recycled respectively. It imposes that all member states develop national prevention programs to reinforce

waste prevention.

The waste directive streamlines three existing directives effective from 12 December 2010. These are directive

2006/12 on waste, directive 91/689 on hazardous waste and directive 75/439 on used oils.

Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of 14 June 2006 of shipment of wastes, lays down procedures for the transboundary

shipments of wastes. This regulation implements into EU law the provisions of the ´Basel Convention on the

Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal´ as well as the OECD Decision. It

includes a Basel ban on the export of hazardous wastes to non-OECD countries and on the export of waste for

disposal.

Different regimes apply to shipments of wastes for disposal and for recovery, as well as to hazardous and

"green-listed" non-hazardous wastes. The shipment of hazardous wastes and wastes destined for disposal is subject

to notification procedures with the written consent of all relevant authorities of dispatch, transit and destination.

Shipment of “green-listed” wastes does not require the consent of authorities.

Directive 1999/31/CE introduces strict technical requirements for waste and landfills. The landfill directive

1999/31/EC lays down requirements for the design, operation and rehabilitation of landfill sites. It prohibits the

disposal of tyres, liquid and explosive wastes into landfills. It ensures the reduction of biodegradable municipal

waste disposed of in landfills, the disposal of waste into landfills in accordance with the laid down requirements of

the directive and the classification of wastes into hazardous, non-hazardous and inert waste.

The directive provides a uniform procedure for waste disposal. These include: the treatment of waste before

disposal into landfills, the disposal of non-hazardous, hazardous and inert wastes in the landfills designated for

them accordingly.

Liquid wastes, inflammable wastes, explosive wastes, hospital and infectious wastes and used tyres are not

allowed in landfills. Member states have to adopt a national strategy for the reduction of biodegradable wastes

being disposed of in landfills. These strategies have to prioritize recycling, composting, biogas production and the

recovery of materials.




To obtain a landfill operation authorization, the application file should include a description of wastes to be

disposed of and the total quantity, landfill capacity, pollution prevention or reduction methods, the control and after

care plan.

3. WASTE CHARACTERISATION IN SENEGAL

3.1 Waste Generation

80% of the waste produced in Senegal is household waste. More waste is generated in the urban areas than in

the rural areas due to the increase in living standards and the consumption of wrapped and packaged goods

(Julien Rouyat et al, 2005).

Municipal solid waste is generated from households, hotels, restaurants, market places and offices. In Dakar,

small businesses, smaller industrial estates, slaughterhouses and schools generate a considerable amount of

waste (IWWA, 2012). In Thies, waste is also generated from construction sites (IPEP, 2006).

The average waste generation is 0.6kg, 0.5kg and 0.33kg per day and inhabitant for urban areas with a

population above 100000 inhabitants, semi urban and rural areas with a population below 100000 inhabitants

respectively. In Dakar, the municipal solid waste generated per day is about 1400tons and just 7.8tons in a

small city like Matam. The municipal waste generated per inhabitant per day in Dakar is 0.54kg while it is

about 0.45kg a day in Matam (IWWA, 2012). About 110.000m3 (38846 tons) of waste is generated every year

in the city of Thies. This gives an equivalent of about 107tons per day, 0.4kg per day and inhabitant (IPEP,

2006).

Studies carried out on 10 cities in Senegal , represented in table 1 show that the waste generated per day and

inhabitant is higher in cities with inhabitants above 100000 than in those with inhabitants below 100000

(Julien Rouyat et al, 2006).

In Senegal, the amount of waste generated also varies depending on the nature of the area. People living in

structured areas produce larger amounts of household waste than those living in unstructured areas.

(Ka-Mbayu et al. 2005) (Table 2).

3.2 Waste composition

Municipal solid waste generated in Senegal is composed of both valuable and toxic substances. The valuable

substances are metals, glass bottles, organics, and plastics while the toxic substances are pharmaceutical products,

oils, chemicals, car batteries and dry batteries from electronic devices (IWWA, 2012). Organic waste: About 44%

of waste generated in Dakar is organic waste (IWWA, 2012). It comes from groundnut shells, fish waste, poultry

excrement, industrial waste, fertilizers, and garden waste (Alain Mbaye, 1995). In Thies, branches and leaves from

public and private gardens make up the organic waste produced (IPEP, 2006).




Plastic waste: Around 18% of waste generated in Dakar is composed of plastics. These come from around 40

plastic processing industries. Most times, it is mixed with household waste making it difficult to determine its

origin. About 9500tons of plastic waste is generated and recycled by plastic transforming industries in Dakar

annually. The plastic waste is heterogeneous, with about 14% composed of plastic bags, 4% composed of bottles

and old plastic shoes (IWWA, 2012). In Thies, plastic wastes of all kinds and toys are in the waste stream (IPEP,

2006). 13% of the municipal solid waste generated in Dakar is composed of paper and cardboard, 4% of Metals and

21% of all other waste types, Figure two (IWWA, 2012). Stones, debris and sand can be part of the waste

composition in low standard less urbanised neighbourhoods with sand coming from sweeping the yard and houses

in the rainy season (Julien Rouyat et al, 2005).

Hazardous and E-waste (Electric and Electronic Equipment): Dioxins, PCB‟s and hexachlorobenzene are present

in the Mbeubeuss waste dump. This dumpsite contains 35times the background levels of dioxin, 11times the EU

limit for dioxins and 1.7 times the EU proposed PCB limit (Joseph DiGangi et al, April 2005). The project carried

out by the blacksmith institute from March 2008 to February 2013, recorded that the disposal of used lead acid

batteries and its informal recycling led to acute lead poisoning in the children living around the disposal site. As

high as 150µg/dl of lead concentration was recorded from the blood samples as opposed to the exposure standard of

10µg/dl. Batteries, capacitors, mercury switches from computers and other electrical appliances are also major

types of e-waste found in Senegal (IWWA, 2012). In 2007, about 3730tons of e-waste was generated in Senegal

annually. Subdivided to 900tons from computers, 180tons from printers, 100tons from mobile phones, 1900tons

from television sets and 650tons from refrigerators (UNEP, 2011). These wastes originate from households, public

institutions, repair and corporate businesses. In Dakar, 78% of the e-waste collected is dismantled by hand, 2%

disposed without being treated and 20% reused as spare parts (IWWA, 2012). The importation of electronic and

electrical equipment in Senegal is increasing rapidly, with a personal computer penetration rate of 21.4 per 1000,

Figure 3 (Wone et al, 2008). 600tons of mobile phones are in operation in Senegal. The government agencies and

companies use about 50000 computers equivalent to 1200tons of equipment. Households and students use about

105000 computers equivalent to 2500tons of equipment. About 20% of the computer stock used by the central

administration is renewed annually generating a waste stream equivalent to 15% of the stock (Wone et al, 2008). By

the year 2020, Senegal is expected to have a four to eight fold e-waste increase from computers alone (GISW,

2010).

Health care or biomedical waste: Senegal has about 2236 healthcare facilities and about 269tons of healthcare

waste produced in Dakar annually (IWWA, 2012). This can be sub divided into five categories. Category A

comprises of biomedical waste posing no risk such as waste from offices, packaging and food left over, Category B

of biomedical waste requiring special attention such as anatomical waste, pharmaceutical waste, sharp waste, blood

and fluid waste ,Category C Infectious and highly infectious waste such as waste from the laboratories and

microbial cultures. Category D are Hazardous wastes such as chemical substances, gaseous, liquid and solid

substances containing heavy metals and Category E: Radioactive biomedical waste (M.Ndiaye et al, 2012).




Regarding mining waste, Senegal has noble metals (Gold, platinum), base metals (iron, copper, chromium and

nickel), industrial metals (industrial phosphates), heavy metals (zircon and titanium), decorative stones and

building materials. In Thies-Lam Lam, there is an approximate of 80 million tons of alumina-calcic phosphate

reserves (SIM Senegal, 2014). During the processing of the LamLam phosphorous deposit, more than 30% is

disposed of in the form of a high iron and aluminium oxide compound called Feral. It is anticipated that about 15

million tons of Feral will be produced in the coming years (Mouhamadou Bassir, 2012).

In Dakar, 120000m3 volume of wastewater is produced per day, 50000m

3 is drained directly through the sewer

network and 70000m3 is filtered indirectly. Of the 50000m

3drained, about 9000m

3 is treated at the wastewater

treatment plant in Camberene. The rest is dumped into the sea (Alain Mbaye et al, 1995). Liquid wastes also consist

of motor oils (IPEP, 2006). Emphasis is laid on solid waste management in this write up.

4. CURRENT WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN SENEGAL AND THE EUROPEAN

WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

4.1 Waste management system in Senegal

In Dakar, the waste management is integrative. The state, local authorities (CADAK, CAR) and private authorities

(Veolia) are part of the upstream while the local recyclers make up the downstream (B. Dafflon and T. Madies,

2013). In Thies, at the regional level, the Division Régionale de l‟environnement et des etablissements classées is in

charge of executing the government policy on environmental protection and fight against pollution and nuisances.

The Service Régional de l‟hygiѐne follows up the implementation of the hygiene and public health national policy

and the local authorities are in charge of the collection, transportation and treatment of waste according to their

competences (IPEP, April 2006).

In Dakar, collection vehicles on an average of two trips a day carry waste from their collection points to the

Mbeubuess disposal site. Each vehicle collects about 14tons of waste, 334 disposals, estimate of 4676tons of waste

disposed daily. This is under the supervision of state trained control agents who measure the amount of waste

entering using a weighbridge. Industries and hospitals are responsible for transporting their waste to the disposal

site. Waste carried to the Mbeubeuss site consists mainly of household waste from the capital, industrial waste,

hospital waste, and waste from the markets (First global strategic workshop on waste pickers Pune, 2012). In Thies,

six trucks collect and transport waste to the dumps by (IPEP, April 2006).

Household waste management is mostly in the hands of the local communities. Occasionally, state technical

services come into play such as the department in charge of hygiene and the environment, NGOs, the agency for

hygiene in Senegal and the private sector. The management system seeks for a public-private partnership. The

hygiene agency in Senegal (APROSEN) helps in planning the management of household waste, the set-up of

infrastructures and equipment to fight against pollution and to search for partners (Gestion des dechets, March

2005).




In Thies, waste is disposed of in open dumps with no system put in place for waste recovery. These dumps are not

fenced and are exploited by people who hope to get objects that can be reused or sold. Domestic animals loiter

around these dumps in search for food. Wind disperses waste into the neighbouring households. There is no

efficient collection nor selective treatment of household or industrial waste. The waste is incinerated occasionally

to make space for more waste. Depending on the caloric content of the waste, auto-combustion can occur (IPEP,

April 2006). According to the 2012 First global strategic workshop on waste pickers held in Pune, India, the

vehicles collect waste generated in Dakar to the Mbeubeuss site. No sorting. At the site, scavengers sort out the

plastics, metals and organics by the help of a metal hook. Plastics like shoes, buckets and cloths are the most

recycled while the women who recover organic wastes (rice) sell them to pig farmers. Different materials are

recovered and most are sold onsite. Recovered glass is exported to the sub regions. Buyers range from individuals

to companies that buy wholesale.

Centres d’Enfouissement technique (CET): The ministry in charge of environment in Senegal has initiated a

program for the construction of CETs; Waste engineered landfills in 11 capital cities and in the religious towns of

Touba and Tivaouane. The waste engineered landfill in Saint Louis has been put in place while that of Thies and

Touba are under construction (Gestion des dechets, March 2005). The waste engineered landfill in Thies would

receive 11000tons of waste yearly, strictly household and household related wastes (IPEP, April 2006).

A CET is a controlled dumpsite where waste is disposed of without polluting the environment. The wastes put into

cells covered with thick black plastic prevent leachate seeping into the soils. There are three categories of CETs: the

first class posing high risks, the second class posing medium risks and the third class posing low risks (IPEP, April

2006).

Hazardous waste management

Industrial waste is handled in accordance with the polluter payer principle. In the absence of facilities to dispose of

the waste, companies approved by the state can handle the waste. A program has been put in place in Senegal for

the recovery of obsolete products and depollution of contaminated sites. There is still a considerable quantity in

certain areas like the Niayes.

There are initiatives that recycle and reuse plastic wastes and used tyres. They work alongside international

cooperations and NGOs. Trainings have been conducted as part of the hazardous waste management due to the

existence of the Basel regional centre for French speaking Africa in Senegal (CRCB-AF) (Gestion des dechets,

March 2005).

Decree No 2008-1007 of 18 August 2008 regulates biomedical waste management. Senegal has a national action

plan for biomedical waste management elaborated in the national program of the fight against hospital-acquired

infections (PRONALIN). This program donates 2/3 of its global budget to the management of biomedical waste.




Senegal has a project for the promotion of good biomedical waste management practices to reduce or avoid the

presence of dioxins and mercury in the environment (PROGEDIME). This project aims at the use of

non-combustible technologies for biomedical waste management (Gestion des dechets, March 2005).

27.5% of domestic wastewater in Senegal is treated. In 2008, the depollution rate was 25.2% due to an increase in

the treatment and purification capacity. In order to attain the millennium goals, the government initiated the

millennium national program on drinking water and hygiene.

The environmental code states that all industrial wastewaters have to be pre-treated before discharge in accordance

with the standards of NS 05-061 regarding wastewater discharge (Gestion des dechets, March 2005).

For industrial waste water management; the Senegalese government received fifty million euros from the French

development agency and the European investment bank for the depollution of the Hann Bay (Gestion des dechets,

March 2005).

The Senegal government bears the larger side of the financial burden of waste collection and management. The

households contribute little. The government instituted a tax called „le Taxe d‟Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères‟

(TEOM). The tax is 6% land tax representing 15% of the total locative value of buildings. Only about 30% of

Dakar‟s households pay this tax (Ahmadou Aly. M, 2008).

Every year the state disburses 12 million Francs CFA for waste management. On December 17th 2012, 20 billion

Francs was mobilised, 17billion made available by the Islamic Development Bank and 3billion by the state for a

7year waste management plan given the transfer of waste collection to the local communities (Yatma Dieye, 2013).

4.2 European waste management system

The total amount of waste generated from economic activities and households in the EU-28 in 2010 was 2506

million tons, higher than that generated in 2008 but below that generated in 2004. The relatively low figures for

2008 and 2010 may partly reflect the downturn in economic activity due to financial and economic crisis. Among

the waste generated in the EU-28 in 2010, some 101.4 million tons (4% of the total) were classified as hazardous

waste, equivalent to an average of about 5tons of waste per inhabitant in the EU-28, of which 201 kg were

hazardous waste. The waste generation varies per country and economic structures (Figure four).

In 2010, the EU-28 generated 2404.3 million tons of non-hazardous waste and some 101.4 million tons of

hazardous waste. Compared to 2008, non-hazardous waste generation remained stable, while hazardous waste

generation increased by 3.8% (97.6 million tons of hazardous waste in 2008 (Figure five).




In Europe, 16tons of material is used per person per year, of which 6tons become waste. Although waste

management continues to improve in the EU, the European economy still loses a significant amount of potential

'secondary raw materials' such as metals, wood, glass, paper, plastics present in waste streams. In 2010, waste

production in the EU was 2.5 billion tons. From this, 36% was recycled. The rest was landfilled or burned, of which

some 600 million tons could be recycled or reused. Turning waste into a resource is the key to a circular economy.

European legislation has key drivers to improve waste management, stimulate innovation in recycling, limit the use

of landfilling, and create incentives to change consumer behaviour. If European countries re-manufacture, reuse

and recycle, with one industry's waste becoming another's raw material, they can move to a more circular economy.

The European Union's approach to waste management, the "waste hierarchy", aims to move waste management up

the waste hierarchy (Figure 6). In 2010, some 2339 million tons of waste was treated in the EU-28; this includes the

treatment of waste that was imported into the EU. Almost half (45.4%) of the waste treated in the EU-28 in 2010

was subject to disposal operations other than waste incineration. This was predominantly landfills, but also

included mining waste disposed in and around mining sites and waste discharged into water bodies. A further

49.0% of the waste treated in the EU-28 in 2010 was sent to recovery operations (other than energy recovery). The

remaining 5.6 % of the treated waste was sent for incineration (with energy recovery: 3.8% and without energy

recovery 1.8%).

Waste disposal saw a steady decrease in the volume of waste treated from 2004 to 2008. The quantity of waste

recovered (excluding energy recovery) steadily grew from 889.4 million tons in 2004 to 1144.7 million tons in

2010. As a result, the share of recovery in total waste treatment rose from 41.0 % in 2004 to 49.0 % in 2010. Waste

incineration and energy recovery increased from 108 million tons in 2004 to 129.6 million tons in 2008 and 131.8

million tons in 2010, an overall increase of 22.1% (Figure 7).

For hazardous waste treatment, the share of waste disposal amounted in 2010 to 42.8% of the EU-27 total. This

accounted for a share of total hazardous waste treatment slightly lower than the share for all waste. 9.8 million tons

(11.7% of all hazardous waste) was incinerated or used for energy recovery, and 38.2 million tons (45.5%) was

recovered. Though more waste is generated in the EU-27, the total amount of municipal waste landfilled has

reduced. The total municipal waste landfilled in the EU-27 fell by 61.7 million tons (43%), from 143 million tons

(300 kg per capita) in 1995 to 81.2 million tons (162 kg per capita) in 2012. This corresponds to an annual decline

of 3.3%.

Since 2003, landfilling has declined by 4.6% per year. The landfilling rate in the EU-27 dropped from 63% in 1995

to 34% in 2012. This could be due to the implementation of the European legislation (the directive 94/62/1994 on

packaging and the directive 99/31/EC on the landfill of waste). The amount of waste recycled rose from 25.1

million tons (53kg per capita) in 1995 to 65.9 million tons (132kg per capita) in 2012. That corresponds an overall

growth factor of 2.6, at an annual rate of 5.8%.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/framework/




The share of municipal waste recycled rose from 11% to 27%. The recovery of organic material by composting has

grown with an average annual rate of 5.5%. Recycling and composting accounted for 42% of organic material in

2012, and have exceeded the landfilled share since 2008.

Waste incineration has also grown steadily, though not as much as recycling and composting. Since 1995, the

amount of municipal waste incinerated in the EU-27 has risen by 25.9 million tons (81%) and accounted for 58.1

million tons (24%) of the total amount treated in 2012. Municipal waste incinerated has risen from 67kg per capita

to 116 kg per capita. Figure 8 shows the different waste treatment methods for municipal solid waste in EU-27.

5. SWOT ANALYSIS ON THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN SENEGAL

The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the waste management system and legislative context in

Senegal will be analysed.

5.1 Strengths

The environmental code incorporates aspects such as the carrying out of an environmental impact study on projects

likely to have an adverse effect on the environment, the implementation of environmental education, the need to

live in a healthy environment and a threshold for the biological, chemical and physical quality of effluent.

Companies carrying out mining activities in Senegal are required to make use of Senegalese services that are of

good quality and guarantee. This is a boost to the Senegalese economy. The mining code emphasizes that any one

requesting an exploration permit must prepare an environmental impact study report. This contributes to the

preservation of resources and protected areas.

The waste management system is integrative, involving the public and private sectors, other health and

environmental services. This increases public participation, creates awareness and eases the incorporation of new

waste management ideas.

Senegal has the project of constructing waste engineered landfills in 11 capital cities, in Touba and Tivaouane. The

landfill in Saint-Louis is completed and the others are under construction. This is a vital step in the management of

waste.

5.2 Weaknesses

Open dumps are common placed. People exploit the dump in search for reusable and recyclable wastes. Domestic

animals graze in these areas.The exposure of the dumps permit lightweight wastes like plastic bags and papers to be

carried by wind to the neighbouring compounds and roadsides. Though a threshold has been set on effluent

quality, only one wastewater treatment plant is in Senegal, clear evidence that most of the effluent released is

untreated.




The mining code exempts all exploration and exploitation permit holders from fiscal and custom duties during the

valid and renewal periods of the permit. Every foreign staff employed by mining titleholders is exempted from

taxes- not beneficial to the economy. Free services can be abused, leading to the importation of electrical goods,

which could wind up as waste.

Waste collected by the transport vehicles in the urban areas such as Thies and Dakar are unsorted. Senegal has

insufficient waste treatment infrastructures hence there is no treatment of waste before disposal. There is no system

in place for the treatment of hazardous waste nor for waste recovery. The waste tax collection system is weak, only

about 30 % of the households in Dakar paying. About half of the communes have a cleaning budget less than 1 % of

the regular income.

Wastes at the dumpsites are burnt to create space for incoming waste. This is could lead to the production of POP‟s

(Persistent Organic compounds), dioxins and furans, which are carcinogenic. There are problems at the institutional

levels, confusion on the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the waste management system. There is a

lack of coherence in the system; waste management not taken seriously in the management plan. Non-mastery of

management costs, and the lack of cost accounting in the waste management system. Lack of professionalism

partly due to tradition, attitude and practice. Insufficient waste recovery scheme weakness in environmental

knowledge, insufficient educational and environmental institutes. Poverty, which maps to poor communication,

sensitization network and training. Deficit of facilities for the packing unit of waste, from pre-collection, collection,

transportation and final deposit of waste. Weak public participation in the projects, NGOs and waste management

programs. Legal vacuum in the management of radioactive waste, the inexistence of a structure for the treatment of

hazardous waste. Inaccessibility of areas during collection due to inadequate road networks.

5.3 Opportunities

Energy can be generated from animal waste for example at the Mbeubeuss dumpsite. The biogas heat can produce

heat for onsite use and deliver excess electricity to the local grid. Rice, maize and coconut residues produced in

small farms if collected and processed in a centralized manner could be used for heat or power production. For

example, Rice husks and Rice straws can generate 15 MW and 120 MW power capacity respectively operating at

6500 hours/year with an electrical efficiency of 40 %.

The waste water at the treatment plant in Camberene emits methane into the atmosphere. This methane can be

collected as fuel for a biogas power system (UNEP RISO, June 2013). A proper recycling scheme can also lead to

the employment, decreasing crime wave.

5.4 Threats

The presence of open dumps occupies space, affects the aesthetics of the city and can lead to the obstruction of

some roads. This reduces available land. The mixed garbage could release pungent and unpleasant smells.




Waste is burnt to create space for more waste leading to the emission of gases such as NOx and Carbondioxide that

deplete the ozone layer. Methane released from the cellulose plant material in the garbage is a major greenhouse

gas. Acid rain from the interaction of NOx, sulphurdioxide, chlorides, fluorides and rainwater has an adverse effect

on agriculture. Possible contamination of ground and surface waters, negative effect on water quality and aquatic

ecosystem. Waterproof wastes are reduce soil aeration and fertility. Waste can block drainage systems, preventing

the flow of water and subsequently flood.

The burning of waste leads to the release of harmful gases like sulphurdioxide, dioxins, which have adverse effects

on the lungs, kidney, liver and nervous system. Household waste contains sharp objects, which could wound

scavengers causing infections. The waste sites serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes, which are vectors of the

killer disease malaria. Organic waste attracts rats, which are potential hosts for infections like Leptospirosis.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

An implementation of the waste hierarchy will conserve natural resources and preserve the environment and human

health. Recycling is an option as 13% of waste generated in Dakar consists of paper and cardboard, 18% plastics,

and 4% metals. This would prevent constant use of virgin resources. This is a source of employment as well -

unemployment rate is 12.9% in urban areas and 18% in Dakar. 44% of waste generated is biodegradable waste.

Average temperature is 26°C, favouring composting and increasing life span of landfills. A landfill fee will can be

instituted.

Non-sorting of waste is a major problem. Environmental education should be intensified. Speakers of the local

language could be assigned to educate those who do not understand the language spoken in the media. Inspectors

could be sent to check for the presence of unauthorized dumpsites and sanctions placed on the inhabitants residing

in these areas. This will create a consciousness about the use of better waste management practices in

neighbourhoods.

A better follow up on the tax for the collection of household waste as well. Importation of electronic goods strictly

monitored preventing the importation of electrical equipment that are at end of life stages. Instituting the polluter

payer principle compels the industries to cover the cost of their waste disposal. The extended producer

responsibility can be introduced where the producer is responsible for the entire life cycle of the product. The

following steps can improve the waste management system in Senegal. Moving from a vision of how the total

economic system of a nation that generates waste can and should work in for example 10 years, to defining the

objectives that shall lead the programme. Priority areas on which the programme should focus should be set and the

combination of measures, which bring about efficient low environmental impact material systems (ECD, October

2012).




Aspects such as waste treatment before disposal and separate landfills for hazardous wastes and inert wastes can be

introduced in the national waste management plan. With the huge mineral deposits in Senegal, it is projected that

15million tons of Feral will be produced subsequently. It would be important to include a clause in the mining code

obliging companies undertaking the exploitation of these alumina-calcic phosphate reserves and other mineral

deposits to be responsible for the recycling of these wastes. A minimal tax imposed on the importation of personal

belongings by foreign staff employed by a mining company will reduce the volume of electrical appliance.

With the aid of USAID, Enterprise works VITA initiated a pilot project with aim to develop the private sector led

plastic recycling activities in Dakar and turning plastic waste into a profitable source (Enterprise Works/Vita,

2015). This is a step in the good direction and could be implemented in other cities like Thiès where plastic wastes

are still of primal concern. Incineration could carter for hospital and biomedical wastes. The companies that

handled waste management in Senegal like SIAS and SOADIP shut down due to management problems and

bankruptcy. Funds allocated for the collection, transportation, disposal of waste and landfill maintenance should be

used accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my sincere thanks to Prof. ir. Fons Doms, and Dr. Nadia Casier for providing me with all the

necessary facilities for the research. I am grateful to my parents Mr and Mrs Kimbi and my Siblings for the

financial, moral and spiritual support. Above all, utmost thanks to God almighty for good health, wisdom and

strength.

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Table 1: Waste generation with respect to number of inhabitants.

Councils with greater than 100.000 Councils with less than 100.000 inhabitants

inhabitants

Council Rufisque Kaolack Ziguinchor Saint- Louga Tambacounda Kolda Mboro

Louis

Inhabitants 300.000 250.000 250.000 200.000 77.000 62.693 61.770 19.423

Waste generated 0,70 0,49 0,63 0,61 0,34 0,4 -0,6 0,28

(kg/inhabitant/day)

Average generated in these councils: 0,60 kg Average generated in these councils:0,33 kg

http://simsenegal.com/industry-info/senegal-resources/

http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/waste_management/index_en.htm




Table 2: Distribution of waste generated in structured versus unstructured areas in Senegal

Figure1: The European waste framework directive




Figure 2: Bar chart representing the fraction occupied by each component of Municipal solid waste in

Dakar, Senegal

Figure 3: Total import of EEE in Senegal (Kg/year) (Source: Senegal Customs, 2008)




Figure 4: Waste generation by economic activity and household, EU-28, 2010 (%)

Figure 5: Hazardous waste generation, 2004 and 2010 (kg per inhabitant)




Figure 6: European approach to waste

management

Figure 7: Development of waste treatment in the EU-27, 2004–10 (million tons)

Figure 8: Municipal waste treatment by type of treatment, EU-27, (kg per capita)

Documents

Improvement of the Waste Management System in Senegalmjbas.com/data/uploads/4008.pdf · Mauritania, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau to the north, east and south respectively. It