Environment & Climate
African cities struggle with growing waste crisis and strained infrastructure
ABC News reports that mounting trash and limited landfill space are challenging major metropolitan areas.
The short version
- Rapid population growth and insufficient infrastructure are driving a severe waste crisis across African cities.[ABC News]
- In Johannesburg, only two of four municipal landfills still receive general waste, while the municipal collector designated funds to combat widespread illegal dumping.[ABC News]
- The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance attributes municipal pickup failures to aging vehicles, financial pressures, and labor disputes.[ABC News]
- International projections show sub-Saharan waste output more than doubling by 2050 as urban populations surge.[ABC News]
Key facts
- Sub-Saharan Africa's waste generation is projected by the World Bank to surge by 124% between now and 2050.[ABC News]
- Africa's urban population is expected to reach 1.4 billion people by 2050, doubling current levels according to international organizations.[ABC News]
- The United Nations Environment Program estimates that over 90% of waste generated across Africa ends up in uncontrolled landfills and dumpsites.[ABC News]
- Only two out of four municipal landfills in Johannesburg continue to accept general waste.[ABC News]
- Johannesburg waste agency Pikitup earmarked 115 million rand ($6.4 million) for the 2025/26 cycle to combat illegal dumping sites.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance attributes collection disruptions to labor disputes, budget limits, and aging trucks, though city authorities have not confirmed these as sole factors.[ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.