Waste colonialism: How Africa is grapplling with west’s dumped plastic
The Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi County.
What you need to know:
- A 2020 Greenpeace report estimated that over 1.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste were shipped annually from developed nations to countries in the Global South, including Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
In Nairobi's infamous Dandora dumpsite, a sprawling expanse of waste defines the horizon. Smoke constantly rises from burning garbage, filling the air with acrid fumes, while the young and old sift through discarded plastics and electronics for anything salvageable. This scene is not unique to Kenya; Accra’s Agbogbloshie slum, Lagos’ Makoko slum, and Dar es Salaam’s Tandare slum all feature similar sights. These dumpsites result from local waste mismanagement and are manifestations of a global phenomenon - waste colonialism.
Waste colonialism occurs when wealthier nations export their waste, often hazardous or non-recyclable, to poorer countries under the guise of trade, recycling or even aid. This practice disproportionately affects African nations, where weak regulatory frameworks and economic vulnerabilities make them prime targets for such exploitation.
The term first emerged when African nations raised concerns about hazardous waste being dumped on their shores by industrialised countries. Today, the problem persists, with plastic waste, electronic refuse, and industrial byproducts flowing into Africa from the Global North.
The scale of this issue is staggering. A 2020 Greenpeace report estimated that over 1.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste were shipped annually from developed nations to countries in the Global South, including Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria. Much of this waste is labelled as recyclable or donations but often consists of contaminated materials that cannot be processed locally. This violates international agreements like the Basel Convention, which restricts the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
The roots of waste colonialism lie in historical patterns of exploitation. During the colonial era, European powers extracted resources from Africa while leaving behind extractive economic systems designed to benefit foreign interests. This legacy continues today in a different form: trade imbalances that allow wealthier nations to externalise their environmental costs by exporting waste to poorer countries.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, has gradually become a primary concern. Old computers, phones, and appliances are often shipped to African countries that slack on stringent enforcement mechanisms to prevent these illegal shipments.
The environmental consequences of waste colonialism are severe and far-reaching. In Ghana's Agbogbloshie slum, one of the world's largest e-waste dumpsites, workers burn cables in open pits to extract valuable metals like copper. This process releases toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and dioxins into the air, contaminating nearby communities and ecosystems. A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health linked these practices to respiratory diseases, cancer, and developmental disorders among residents.
Plastic waste also wreaks havoc on marine ecosystems across Africa's coastlines, where fish consumed by local populations contains microplastics. This leads to chemical poisoning through the food chain. Rivers clogged with plastic debris exacerbate flooding during rainy seasons and destroy habitats critical for biodiversity.
The human cost is equally alarming. Exposure to hazardous materials at dumpsites leads to chronic health issues for workers and nearby residents. Children who scavenge for recyclables are particularly vulnerable to poisoning from heavy metals and other toxins. Additionally, improper waste management drains national resources.
Waste colonialism perpetuates economic dependency by burdening African nations with cleanup costs while diverting resources away from sustainable development initiatives. Instead of investing in renewable energy or education infrastructure, governments are forced to channel funds toward managing foreign waste.
Multinational corporations often exploit legal loopholes or lobby against domestic regulations designed to protect local environments. For example, petrochemical industry representatives have pressured African governments, including Kenya, to relax anti-plastic laws under free trade agreements. This undermines efforts to combat pollution at its source.
Despite these challenges, there is growing resistance to waste colonialism across Africa. Grassroots movements and international watchdog organisations have exposed illegal shipments and advocated for stricter enforcement of international treaties against this malpractice.
On a national level, individual countries are addressing the issue through legislative reforms. Kenya's Waste Management Act criminalises illegal imports while promoting circular economy models that emphasise recycling and sustainable production practices. Similarly, Ghana has launched initiatives to formalise e-waste recycling industries and protect informal workers who operate under hazardous conditions.
Innovative solutions like building with recycled products and repurposing electronic waste are emerging at the community level. Such efforts reduce pollution and raise awareness about sustainable practices among local populations.
Addressing waste colonialism requires collective action beyond Africa's borders. Exporting nations must take greater responsibility for managing their waste rather than offloading it onto vulnerable regions. Binding commitments and reparations for environmental harm caused by past practices must accompany pledges to reduce harmful exports.
Global agreements like the proposed UN treaty on plastic pollution could be crucial in curbing waste exports if they include enforceable measures targeting production limits and improved recycling systems within exporting countries.
Policymakers must ensure countries have the legal framework to reject hazardous waste shipments. They should invest in waste management infrastructure, enabling countries in the Global South to handle waste sustainably.
By reducing personal plastic consumption and adequately disposing of electronic waste, individuals can decrease the volume of trash that needs managing. They can also support initiatives which monitor waste trafficking and advocate for stricter regulations. This will amplify pressure on governments and corporations to act responsibly. Lastly, individuals can influence cultural norms by promoting sustainable practices and demanding corporate accountability for waste management throughout the product lifecycle.
