How Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) finances waste management and enables investment in Zambia

Sustainable waste management is a major global challenge. In Africa, in particular, rapid population growth, increased (often unequal) economic growth models, and lifestyle/behavioural changes have led to increased use of resources and products. The waste generated is not matched by sustainable waste management systems that enable recycling and recovery of resources. A lack of awareness, funding, resources and technology has led to the current situation of open dumping, causing significant damage to public health and the environment.

In a pilot project, the EU-funded Africa RISE and SWITCH to Green facilities supported the design of a pilot waste management models with a focus on circularity, where companies could play a leading role within Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for more effective solutions to waste management in the African context. The initiative in Zambia targeted the management of plastic waste through an improved legislation, establishment of governance structures and pilot  a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) model by working with brands, recyclers, waste collectors. Over 10,000 people and three locations: Ministry of Green Economy, University of Lusaka and John Mbita Road residential area, have been reached by this initiative. 

A high level event, to share results, learnings and agree on the way forward, will take place on the 

• 17th of October 2024, at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel, Lusaka. 

The hybrid event will showcase the results of the work so far on EPR in both Zambia and Rwanda, share learnings from the PRO pilot, and ultimately coalescence stakeholders towards more sustainable circularity models in the country. 

Registrations are now open on the event page https://africarisevent.eu/transform-through-epr. 

Detailed Agenda: