How Uganda can combat plastic waste

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OPINION

By Jorum Ddumba

Uganda is standing at a critical juncture in its fight against plastic waste, and the decisions made today will shape the future of its environment.

The stark prediction that by 2050, the world’s oceans could be home to 950 million tonnes of plastic, surpassing the weight of all fish combined, leaves no room for complacency.

Plastic pollution is rapidly escalating into a significant environmental threat in Uganda. Urban centres, including Kampala, are witnessing a surge in plastic pollution due to escalating consumption, inadequate waste management systems and limited recycling options.

Roadsides, drainage channels, and water bodies are choked with discarded plastic bags, bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials. This leads to widespread flooding, contamination of drinking water and destruction of aquatic ecosystems.

Uganda is blessed with significant water bodies, including Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, and the River Nile, one of the longest rivers in the world.

However, these water sources are increasingly turning into dumping grounds for plastic waste.

Fishermen report catching more plastic waste than fish, while studies indicate that microplastics are infiltrating the food chain, posing serious health risks to humans and wildlife alike. Plastic pollution not only degrades the environment but also impacts Uganda’s economy.

The tourism industry, a vital source of revenue, suffers when iconic natural landscapes are littered with plastic waste.

Additionally, clogged drainage systems lead to costly urban flooding, damaging infrastructure and disrupting business operations.

Without immediate action, Uganda faces severe economic and environmental consequences.

Sweden has emerged as a global pioneer in sustainable waste management. Remarkably, only 1% of its waste is in landfills, while the rest is recycled, composted or converted into energy.

The country’s waste-to-energy (WTE) programme ensures that non-recyclable waste is incinerated to generate household electricity and heating.

This system has been so successful that Sweden imports waste from other countries to fuel its energy plants.

Uganda can establish waste-to-energy plants to convert plastic and other waste into electricity. This would reduce landfill waste and help address Uganda’s energy challenges.

Sweden enforces strict policies to ensure effective waste sorting and recycling. Uganda can implement and enforce similar policies to encourage responsible waste disposal.

Sweden’s waste management success is primarily due to government and private sector collaboration. Uganda can encourage private investments in waste collection and recycling initiatives. In Sweden, households and businesses separate waste into different categories to facilitate recycling.

Uganda can introduce mandatory waste segregation policies to enhance recycling efforts. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s prediction that by 2050, ocean plastic could outweigh fish by weight underscores the urgency of tackling plastic pollution.

This crisis is not only global but also local. Uganda must take proactive steps to prevent its lakes, rivers and urban areas from becoming overwhelmed by plastic waste.

To achieve this, Uganda must implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastics to reduce the volume of plastic waste entering the environment.

Promoting biodegradable alternatives by supporting local businesses that produce eco-friendly packaging is crucial.

Increasing public awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of responsible waste disposal is necessary.

Encouraging innovation by incentivising companies to develop sustainable plastic alternatives can make a difference.

Japan has pioneered the development of water-soluble plastics, which dissolve harmlessly in water and pose no threat to the environment.

This revolutionary technology could eliminate plastic waste, especially in countries struggling with pollution.

Uganda can partner with Japanese innovators to introduce water-soluble plastics into local markets.

The Ugandan government can encourage businesses to adopt water-soluble plastics by providing tax incentives and subsidies.

Uganda’s universities and research institutions should be supported in developing similar biodegradable plastic solutions tailored to local needs. Uganda must strengthen laws banning single-use plastics and strictly enforce penalties for non-compliance.

Establishing more recycling plants and incentivising plastic collection will reduce plastic waste and create employment opportunities. Schools, businesses and communities must be educated about the impact of plastic waste and the importance of responsible disposal.

The Government can support start-ups focused on innovative waste management solutions, creating economic opportunities while addressing environmental issues. Every Ugandan has a role to play in reducing plastic waste.

Simple actions like using reusable shopping bags, properly disposing of plastic waste and participating in clean-up initiatives can make a significant difference. Collective action from individuals, businesses and policymakers will determine Uganda’s success in combating plastic pollution.

Uganda has a unique opportunity to lead Africa in environmental sustainability by learning from Sweden and Japan.

By adopting Sweden’s waste-to-energy model, implementing strict waste management policies and leveraging Japan’s biodegradable plastics innovation, Uganda can turn its waste crisis into an opportunity for economic growth and environmental conservation.

The time for action is now. Uganda must make bold decisions today to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for future generations.

The writer is an environment researcher