From Waste to Wealth: Engineering Pathways for Large-Scale Upcycling of Municipal Solid Waste in Sub-Saharan Africa

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@article{1711156,
      author = {Olamide Ayeni, Olayiwola Olaniyi Kazeem},
      title = {From Waste to Wealth: Engineering Pathways for Large-Scale Upcycling of Municipal Solid Waste in Sub-Saharan Africa},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2024},
      volume = {7},
      number = {11},
      pages = {828-841},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711156.pdf},
      abstract = {Sub-Saharan Africa faces unprecedented challenges in municipal solid waste (MSW) management, with rapid urbanization and population growth generating increasing volumes of waste that overwhelm existing infrastructure. This comprehensive review examines engineering pathways for transforming MSW from environmental burden to economic opportunity through systematic upcycling approaches. Drawing from recent research and case studies across the region, we analyze the potential of various upcycling technologies including anaerobic digestion for biogas production, plastic-to-fuel conversion, composting systems, and e-waste valorization. Our analysis reveals that while Sub-Saharan Africa generates approximately 174 million tonnes of MSW annually, current collection rates average only 44%, creating both environmental hazards and missed economic opportunities. The review identifies key engineering solutions including decentralized biogas systems capable of processing 15-20 kg of organic waste per household daily, plastic pyrolysis units with potential returns of $2,000-5,000 per tonne of processed waste, and integrated composting facilities that can divert up to 60% of MSW from landfills. However, implementation faces significant barriers including inadequate infrastructure, limited technical expertise, and financial constraints. We propose a framework for scalable upcycling that emphasizes community-based solutions, public-private partnerships, and technology transfer mechanisms. The findings suggest that systematic implementation of these engineering pathways could transform the region's $4.6 billion waste management deficit into a sustainable economic sector while addressing critical environmental and public health challenges.},
      keywords = {Municipal Solid Waste, Upcycling, Circular Economy, Sub-Saharan Africa, Biogas Production, Plastic Waste Valorization},
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV7I11-1711156-9459}
  }