Improving Solid Waste Management (SWM) Practices and Addressing Associated Risks to Health in Dakar, Senegal

Abstract

Dakar can efficiently handle current and future volumes of solid waste if the following steps are taken: i) informal waste collection is synchronised with that of the municipal authorities; ii) environmental laws and regulations are enforced; iii) public awarenesss of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices is promoted; and iv) sustainable financing of the sector is assured. These steps are critical for informal settlements which are home to most of the urban population, yet are underserved by the municipal authorities. In addition, a reliance on open dumpsites continues to place public health at risk. This brief assesses current SWM practice and outlines stakeholder opinions on ways to improve SWM, both in the short and long term. The findings indicate inefficient SWM practices that put residents at risk, due to direct impacts and through secondary pathways, such as flooding.