EPR in Africa: Sustainable Waste Management
The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations is advancing rapidly in Africa. Since May 2021, regulations have been in place making EPR mandatory in key sectors such as electrical and electronic devices, lighting, paper, packaging, and certain single-use products. These regulations represent an important step towards greater producer responsibility and lay the foundation for sustainable waste management systems in the region. Initiatives and EU programs are helping countries establish EPR regulations and implement new guidelines.
For Quick Readers
Africa faces significant challenges in managing waste. The lack of regulations, technologies, and financial resources has led to an increasing number of illegal dump sites. The health and environmental impacts are huge. Some countries like South Africa, Guinea, and Nigeria have already taken pioneering steps to improve waste management in Africa through EPR. South Africa has seen an increase in its recycling rate since 2021. Guinea and Nigeria are gradually banning single-use plastics, while Namibia and Botswana are working on legal frameworks for EPR. Angola is beginning reforms but still struggles with implementation. Initiatives like the EU’s “SWITCH” program are promoting the circular economy by investing in sustainable technologies. Together with African countries, the goal is to establish long-term recycling and waste reduction systems.
Challenges in African Waste Management
Many African developing countries lack regulations for sustainable waste management. Additionally, the absence of technologies and financial resources makes it difficult to manage the increasing amounts of waste efficiently. Combined with a lack of public awareness and the capacity limits of municipal landfills, this has led to the creation of more open and illegal dumping sites in cities. The situation has a significant impact on public health and the environment. Due to the well-developed recycling and waste management systems in other countries, Africa is under increasing pressure.
Politicians are taking these challenges seriously. For some time now, South Africa, Guinea, Namibia, Angola, and Botswana have been working to create new environmental laws and introduce EPR in Africa. Another advantage that policymakers see is that these measures make the country more attractive to financially solid companies looking to enter the market, such as those from Germany.
It is important to note that investments in the waste and recycling sector in Africa, particularly in South Africa, are rising. By May 2021, South Africa had abandoned its voluntary EPR program and published regulations that apply to the paper and packaging sectors.
The figures are promising. In 2017, around 55 million tons of residual waste were produced. This includes waste from households, construction sites, businesses, and non-hazardous materials. About one-third of this was recycled, representing a significant improvement compared to 2011, when 90% of waste ended up in landfills.
How Advanced is EPR in Africa?
The EPR implementation in Africa varies by country and region. Below, we provide an overview of selected countries and their current status.
+ South Africa
South Africa is a leader in Africa when it comes to the circular economy for plastics. Since 2004, the PETCO model has set new standards for efficiency by supporting the collection and recycling of PET bottles with a voluntary fee. The collection rate for PET bottles rose from 24% in 2007 to 62% in 2019. South Africa serves as a model for other countries like Kenya and Ethiopia regarding EPR and producer responsibility in Africa.
By 2025, 100% of plastic packaging should be recyclable, with a recycling rate of 30%. The waste sector is the most developed in Africa, with comprehensive political and legal frameworks, though the implementation is inconsistent.
Despite increasing recycling rates, much waste continues to end up in landfills. Opportunities mainly lie in waste avoidance technologies and energy recovery from waste, such as for bioenergy or as fuel in cement production.
In May 2021, binding EPR regulations for products like electrical devices, sales packaging, and single-use items came into effect. The implementation is a collaborative effort between the government and industry.
+ Guinea
Guinea is tackling single-use plastics. A new decree bans the production, import, sale, and use of certain single-use plastics. This was signed on September 21 by Transitional President Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. The goal is to reduce plastic pollution and ease the burden on waste management.
According to a World Bank report, 83.5% of waste in Guinea is not properly disposed of. In 2019, around 616,000 kilograms of plastic waste were generated daily. The ban includes items such as plastic bags and oxo-degradable plastics. However, packaging for water, medical purposes, and other specific uses is still permitted.
Companies are given six months to sell off existing stock, and plastic manufacturers have up to two years to fully transition. Guinea, which does not produce plastics itself, imported about 52 million kilograms of plastic in 2019, mostly polyethylene and polypropylene. Violations of the ban are punishable by fines.
+ Nigeria
Nigeria is following suit and plans to ban single-use plastics starting in 2025. This includes products such as straws, cutlery, plastic bottles, and small water sachets. Since June 2024, government offices will no longer use single-use plastics. Measures like these are preparing the population for the ban.
According to Environment Minister Iziaq Salako, the government is taking its role as a model seriously. While Nigeria is the only country in West Africa producing new plastic resins, consumption far exceeds production. Only about 12% of plastic waste is recycled. Small water sachets, in particular, are major contributors to environmental pollution.
+ Namibia
In Namibia, waste management is less developed. Recycling is minimal, with recyclable materials often exported to other regions like South Africa. Improving landfill standards and implementing waste reduction measures could help. However, the long transport distances make disposal expensive. More efficient solutions include reducing waste directly at the source. Additionally, the legal framework for waste management is underdeveloped.
Namibia does not yet have mandatory or voluntary EPR regulations to promote resource efficiency. However, the national waste management system (NSWMS) plans to introduce EPR in Namibia by 2023. The government is receiving support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in developing a plan for handling electronic waste. The draft plan is based on extended producer responsibility and targets producers and retailers of electronic devices. The goal is to minimize waste and electronic waste through more efficient production and the use of new technologies. The polluter pays principle will serve as an incentive to reduce waste.
+ Botswana
In Botswana, many recyclable wastes are exported to South Africa. The country’s entry into waste management offers similar opportunities to Namibia. There is currently potential for waste reduction solutions and improving landfill safety standards. Botswana plans to expand its economy and industry significantly, which is expected to increase waste generation. This could create new opportunities in recycling and waste processing. At present, EPR has little significance in Botswana due to the small production sector, but this may change with industrialization.
+ Angola
Sustainable waste management in Angola is still in its early stages. There is a need for technologies and know-how to process and market recyclable materials more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Waste management is handled differently across the country. In Luanda, there are initial efforts to introduce circular economy structures. Although EPR is mentioned legally in Angola, it has not been widely implemented. Since 2017, Angola has initiated reforms to diversify the economy, improving the investment climate.
Private companies, research institutions, or non-governmental organizations could serve as partners. Legally, industrial and hospitality businesses are required to manage their waste, but there are no binding regulations for implementation. Data on collection or disposal rates, such as for packaging waste, is not publicly available. In 2022, a plan to introduce EPR in the manufacturing sector was announced for Luanda.
Kenya and Rwanda have also taken steps. Kenya has decided to introduce EPR for packaging and plastic alternatives, while Rwanda has declared a national plastic ban. In Egypt, a planned waste law with comprehensive EPR regulations is in the pipeline.
Example: Implementing Circular Economy Regulations with Support Programs like “SWITCH”
For EPR in Africa to continue to develop, especially on a large scale, the region needs support. One example is the “SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa” program. Over five years, the EU is investing 40 million euros in the African circular economy. The goal is to support SMEs, start-ups, and joint ventures, with a focus on packaging value chains, plastic waste, and electronic waste. This is complemented by a planned EU resource center for the circular economy, which was announced as part of the Global Gateway strategy.
The Growing Waste Issue
Urbanization, coupled with a growing middle class, is leading to an increased prevalence of packaging, electronics, and consumer goods. With the rising demand, waste volumes also increase, often being improperly disposed of. Illegal dumpsites, open burning, and lack of infrastructure are common problems. EPR in Africa shifts the responsibility from consumers to producers, who must actively develop sustainable solutions for collection and recycling.
Regulatory Developments
Countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are already pioneers, taking legal steps towards EPR in Africa. The future must be shaped by stronger regional cooperation to create uniform standards and implement EPR across borders.
Awareness and Education
A key element in the successful implementation of EPR is raising awareness among the public and businesses. In many African countries, awareness of the impact of improper waste disposal is still too low. Educational programs that highlight the connection between sustainable consumption, recycling, and environmental protection need to be initiated and actively promoted.
Economic Benefits
The creation of recycling companies and the promotion of circular economy models generate new jobs. At the same time, through EPR in Africa, companies have the chance to make their production more efficient and conserve resources over the long term. Access to new markets also increases competitiveness.
How Do You Master EPR in Africa?
Undoubtedly, EPR in Africa is undergoing a massive transformation. Companies active in or planning to enter African markets must address extended producer responsibility. The EPR compliance of Deutsche Recycling GmbH ensures successful implementation.
As a manufacturer under the EPR directive, you are responsible if you bring a product to market in a country for the first time—whether it is produced or imported there. The type of product is also crucial. There are different EPR categories and types of packaging, each with its own disposal requirements.
We are happy to provide guidance in advance and show you the legal obligations that exist under EPR in Africa. We consider the country-specific differences that are often complex and opaque. With our experience, we offer comprehensive support—from registration to implementing suitable recycling systems.
Our EPR Compliance Services include:
- Individual consultation according to relevant EPR guidelines
- Analysis and ensuring compliance with all regulations
- Assistance with the registration process and obtaining necessary registration numbers
- Support in joining a Producer Responsibility Organization
- Comprehensive reporting and precise document management
- Facilitation of suitable disposal and return systems on a national and international level
- Support as an authorized representative for companies without a presence in Germany
- Annual guarantees through collective guarantee systems
With us, you have a partner who covers all EPR requirements in Africa.
