Rethinking Waste: From pollution to circular economies

Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic products and particles in the environment, adversely affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. In Africa specifically Uganda, the issue of plastic pollution has escalated significantly, contributing to environmental degradation and public health crises.

Uganda, like many African countries, has experienced significant plastic pollution, particularly in urban areas such as Kampala to the extent of having the recent grave waste slide of The Kitezi Landfill that claimed over 50 lives. The lack of an effective waste management system has led to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills, water bodies, and streets.

More so, plastic waste is burned (a common practice in some areas), which releases toxic fumes that cause respiratory problems. Microplastics from degraded plastics enter food chains, affecting human health. While Uganda has introduced some regulations to reduce plastic bag use, enforcement has been weak. The country also faces a high influx of cheap, single-use plastics, which are difficult to manage.

In response, several grassroots initiatives have emerged. For example, in Gulu, Northern Uganda, community members collect plastic waste to create eco-bricks, which are used to build schools and community centers. Such initiatives help reduce plastic waste while also benefiting local communities. These community-based projects have been successful at the local level, but without national policy and investment in waste management infrastructure, the overall impact on Uganda’s plastic pollution crisis remains limited.

Special thanks to Eric Mwebesa, Bill Mark Muwonge, and Elvis Segawa for their contributions.