Solving garbage problems in Malawi's most populous city

The city of Lilongwe, with a population of about one million people, grapples with a garbage problem. The problem is rampant across the city’s townships, endangering the wellbeing of the city's residents.

The dangers of poor waste management to the people of Lilongwe, such as increased risk of diseases like cholera, diarrhea, typhoid and respiratory infections, prompted some residents to team up with local authorities to find a solution. They established two waste transfer stations in the city, where solid waste collected from surrounding townships is piled for sorting, recycling and composting.

Established in 2018 at Area 24 and Area 25 townships, the stations have been helping to improve the environment in the city by reducing waste at the city’s waste dumping sites and generating reusable plastics and bottles, and farm nature. The recycled and composite products are sold to enterprises and other users, further providing a source of income to local station operators.

The stations were constructed under the Malawi Government’s National Climate Change Programme as part of its climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, with support from the Flemish International Cooperation Agency through UNDP.

UNDP Deputy Representative for Programme, Claire Medina, said despite the vast waste management challenges being faced in the city, with increased commitment from all, there is potential to turn the waste into economic success.

"We will continue to support the Government of Malawi as it pursues its programme on climate change. But progress on environmental protection and the fight against climate change also starts with local communities. Each of us have a stake in this,” said Medina.