The economic cost of opening burning of waste

For the first time ever at COP26, a discussion on open-air burning of waste has put the pressing issue on the agenda of global policymakers. Although an international problem, it is of particular importance to sub-Saharan Africa, home to 19 of the 50 largest dumping grounds. Aderiana Mbandi, Chemical Engineer & Educator at South Eastern Kenya University, sheds light on the economic cost of this environmental challenge. Mbandi highlights the profound implications of open waste burning on the continent, stressing the significant socio-economic and health costs associated with exposure to hazardous emissions. She emphasizes the need to generate evidence to fully understand the economic impact of living in close proximity to waste dumps. With over 90% of waste openly dumped in low and middle-income countries, including many African nations, the financial burden of managing waste is immense. Mbandi points out that approximately 20% of municipal budgets in these countries are allocated to solid waste management, twice the amount spent in developed nations. This disproportionate allocation further exacerbates the environmental and health risks faced by communities living near waste sites. The detrimental effects of open waste burning extend beyond local communities, contributing to global challenges such as climate change. Mbandi underscores that more than 1.1 billion people in Africa die prematurely each year due to exposure to air pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The interview further delves into Kenya's initiatives to address waste management, highlighting the importance of waste elimination at the source and the adoption of sustainable practices such as single-use plastic bans and waste recycling. While commendable progress has been made, Mbandi acknowledges that there is still much work to be done to improve waste management practices across the continent. The conversation expands to the global context, with Mbandi advocating for a comprehensive approach to waste management that considers the interconnected nature of environmental challenges. She urges for a shift towards sustainable consumption patterns and efficient waste management systems to mitigate the harmful effects of open waste burning. Reflecting on the delayed prioritization of waste management at COP conferences, Mbandi explains that while the issue has been discussed in previous forums, the focus has primarily been on controlled waste disposal methods rather than addressing the critical issue of open waste burning. The inclusion of this topic at COP26 represents a crucial step towards raising awareness and prioritizing waste management strategies, with the aim of fostering sustainable development and combating the silent killer of open waste burning in sub-Saharan Africa.