City pays for waste through buy-back initiative

The total amount spent on managing 24 tonnes of various waste types amounts to N$ 61917. 00. A significant portion of the waste comprises beverage containers, with 89661 bottles managed, amounting to N$ 102159.00 in total costs. Beverage cans and clear plastic waste represent some of the highest costs, with clear plastic management costing N$ 16956.80, and beverage cans accounting for N$ 22153.00.

Gideon Hengari, section head for solid waste management at the City made these announcements during a media event recently at the Out of Nature Country Lodge.

\"At the City, the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Division has played an instrumental role in transforming how waste is handled through the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and frameworks,\" he said.

Hengari noted that waste management in Namibia is guided by a range of legal instruments designed to promote sustainable environmental practices and public health.

Challenges in Waste Management

Furthermore, Hengari added that historically, waste management in Windhoek was approached with indifference or inadequate measures.

\"Common strategies included ignoring the problem with an attitude of \"I don’t care,\" shifting responsibility with the notion of \"my waste is not my problem,\" diluting the issue to make it seem less harmful and employing the \"End of Pipe\" approach, which focused solely on cleaning public spaces without addressing waste prevention.

As the city’s population has surged—from 200000 in 2006 to over 490000 in 2024—Windhoek faces mounting challenges in expanding public infrastructure and tackling waste management issues.

These include littering, unregulated street vendors, resource competition between city departments, and law enforcement challenges,\" he said.

Transition in Solid Waste Management

The City explained that Windhoek has undergone a significant transition in waste management, evolving from basic waste collection practices to a more integrated approach.

In the past, waste management was primarily focused on cleaning open spaces and street sweeping. However, the current focus is on waste prevention, minimization, and recycling, with disposal considered a last resort.

\"This shift aligns with the global movement toward a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are continually reused. The Integrated Waste Management Plan (IWMP) 2022-2027 outlines the key areas for advancing this transition.

These include capacity building through education and awareness, promoting waste minimization, recycling, reuse, and recovery, ensuring compliance through monitoring and enforcement, and securing investment and financing for waste management services,\" he continued.

Operation of Waste Buy-Back Centers (WBBC)

Hengari further revealed that a key element of Windhoek’s waste management strategy is the operation of Waste Buy-Back Centers. These centers provide a platform for residents to sell recyclable materials, thus supporting recycling efforts and reducing waste sent to landfills.

\"The city has secured funding from the EU (N$36.8 million) to develop these centers, with a two-year pilot program in place. Private sector partnerships are also being explored to expand this network,\" he said.

So far, only one center has been built and the City is working towards building the next.