The creation of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change in Mauritius is a positive step towards proper environmental policy and management of waste. As an insular country surrounded by the ocean, the need to protect the environment and public health is paramount. Solid waste management is a critical aspect of environmental protection, as it can have a significant impact on the environment and public health if not managed properly.

The fact that the Ministry has a defined set of functions dedicated to the protection of the environment and public health is a clear indication of the importance placed on environmental issues in Mauritius. The inclusion of the term “Solid Waste Management” in the Ministry’s title highlights the significance of this issue and emphasizes its importance in relation to climate change.

Mauritius has every reason to prioritize proper environmental policy and management of waste. Being an island nation, surrounded by the ocean, the environment is particularly vulnerable to pollution and degradation. Implementing effective solid waste management policies and practices will help to mitigate the impact of waste on the environment and public health.

Overall, the creation of the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change in Mauritius demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. By prioritizing solid waste management and its relationship to climate change, Mauritius can take significant steps towards a cleaner and healthier environment for its citizens and future generations.

The solid waste management situation in Mauritius is challenging, with the daily generation of approximately 1,488 tons of waste and only five (5) disposal sites available for the entire island. The solid waste disposal sites are linked to twelve (12) local authorities through in-house and outsourced waste collection structures, which act as collection and transit points before the wastes are transferred to the Mare Chicose landfill for final disposal.

The presence of fourteen (14) registered scavenging contractors, all of which are privately owned entities operating on an outsourced basis and attached to local authorities, shows that the issue of waste management is being addressed through public-private partnerships. This approach is likely to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management by leveraging the strengths of the private sector.

However, with the increasing population and industrialization, solid waste management is likely to become an even greater challenge in the future. There is a need to invest in better infrastructure and technology for waste management, as well as in public awareness and education to promote waste reduction and recycling.

Overall, the situation in Mauritius highlights the importance of proper waste management and the need for effective collaboration between the government, private sector, and citizens to address this challenge.

The current approach to solid waste management in Mauritius, which relies heavily on landfilling, is no longer sustainable. With the landfill site nearing saturation and the increasing volume of waste being generated, it is clear that a new strategy and action plan for resource recovery and recycling is urgently needed.

In 2020, more than 510,000 tons of solid waste was disposed at the landfill site, with 97% of total waste generated in Mauritius being sent there. However, over 50% of this waste was domestic waste, consisting of food and yard waste, which could be recycled or composted instead of being landfilled. This highlights the need for a shift in approach towards more sustainable waste management practices.

The Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) has received financial assistance from Agence Francaise de Developpement to develop a strategy and action plan for resource recovery and recycling. This is a positive step towards addressing the waste management challenges in Mauritius and moving towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

The strategy and action plan focuses on promoting waste reduction, separation, and recycling, as well as the development of new infrastructure and technologies to support resource recovery and recycling. Public awareness and education campaigns would also be a key component of the strategy, to encourage behavior change and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Overall, the development of a strategy and action plan for resource recovery and recycling is a crucial step towards addressing the waste management challenges in Mauritius and moving towards a more sustainable and circular economy. By promoting waste reduction, separation, and recycling, Mauritius can reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills and preserve valuable resources for future generations

The plan to set up and operate a series of regional sorting and composting plants based on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is a positive step towards promoting resource recovery and recycling in Mauritius. The success of this plan depends on the implementation of a source-segregation of waste, which will require equipping every household with three-fraction bins for wet/organic waste, dry/recyclable materials, and residual waste.

Once the waste is segregated, it can be sent to composting and recycling plants for further processing. This will not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also create valuable resources such as compost and recycled materials. The first composting plant is expected to be operational by mid-2024 in the northern or western part of the island.

The PPP model can be effective in promoting private sector involvement and investment in waste management infrastructure, leveraging the strengths of the private sector to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of waste management. However, it is important to ensure that the PPP model is designed and implemented effectively to ensure that public interests and environmental considerations are taken into account.

Overall, the plan to set up regional sorting and composting plants and implement source-segregation of waste is a positive step towards promoting resource recovery and recycling in Mauritius. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and creating valuable resources, Mauritius can move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

The setting-up of civic amenity centers within the actual collection/transit units is a positive step towards promoting resource recovery and recycling in Mauritius. By providing a convenient and accessible location for the public to dispose of various types of waste, including paper, plastics, metals, construction/demolition wastes, oils, e-waste, and used tyres, the initiative can encourage people to dispose of their waste responsibly.

The disposal of waste tyres, in particular, has been a problematic issue for Mauritius due to its significant vehicle population. Therefore, the procurement process for the setting-up and operation of a used tyre processing facility, as well as the scrapping of end-of-life vehicles, is a welcome initiative. Proper management of waste tyres and end-of-life vehicles can help prevent environmental pollution and create opportunities for resource recovery.

However, it is important to ensure that the management and operation of these civic amenity centers and processing facilities are carried out in an environmentally sound and socially responsible manner. This may require adequate monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety standards.

Indeed, waste management, recycling, and composting offer significant opportunities for those with the necessary expertise and credentials to enter a lucrative business in Mauritius. As the government implements its strategy and action plan on resource recovery and recycling, there will be a growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions to manage solid waste.

Entrepreneurs with expertise in waste management and recycling can take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the market by offering innovative solutions to address the challenges of waste management in the country. For instance, entrepreneurs can establish composting facilities to process organic waste or set up recycling centers to process paper, plastic, and metal waste.

Moreover, the government’s plans to set up civic amenity centers and regional sorting and composting plants present a significant opportunity for entrepreneurs to partner with the government and offer their expertise in managing these facilities. By providing technical support, project management, and operational expertise, entrepreneurs can contribute to the development of these facilities while generating income for their businesses.

Waste management, recycling, and composting are not only crucial for the environment and public health in Mauritius but also offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to contribute to sustainable development while generating income. By leveraging their expertise and credentials, entrepreneurs can play a critical role in shaping the waste management landscape in Mauritius and building a more sustainable future.

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