Challenges and Opportunities in Waste Management in Mozambique

Mozambique faces significant challenges in municipal solid waste (MSW) management, with low collection rates, poor disposal practices, and limited recycling initiatives. The country’s waste infrastructure remains underdeveloped, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas, leading to severe environmental and public health risks. Despite these challenges, Mozambique has opportunities to implement integrated resource management strategies, focusing on waste recovery, recycling, and sustainable urban planning. This report explores the current state of MSW management, key obstacles, and pathways for improvement.

Key Findings

Mozambique generates approximately 1 kg of waste per person per day in urban centers, with Maputo producing 676,000 kg of MSW daily. However, waste collection services only cover 40-65% of urban areas, while rural regions rely on informal waste disposal methods such as open burning and illegal dumping. The high organic content in MSW (up to 68%) presents an opportunity for composting and bioenergy production, yet formal waste recovery remains minimal, with less than 1% of waste being recycled. Additionally, most industrial waste is unmanaged, with major dumpsites like Hulene in Maputo operating without proper environmental controls, leading to air pollution, water contamination, and increased health risks.

Despite the absence of a structured waste management industry, informal waste pickers play a crucial role in material recovery, collecting glass, cardboard, plastics, and scrap metal. However, the lack of formal recognition and economic incentives limits their impact. The report highlights the urgent need for waste sector regulation, improved collection systems, and integration of waste pickers into formal recycling networks. Some positive developments include NGO-led initiatives such as AMOR’s Eco-Points and the RECICLA plastic recycling cooperative, which have increased local recycling and raised environmental awareness.

To enhance sustainability, Mozambique must prioritize investments in waste infrastructure, circular economy models, and policy reforms. Implementing waste taxation, public-private partnerships, and education campaigns can boost community engagement and financing for waste services. The potential for energy recovery from waste (such as biomass-based fuel and methane capture) also presents an untapped economic opportunity. By adopting a nexus approach that integrates waste, water, and land management, Mozambique can transition toward a more efficient and sustainable waste system.

Mozambique’s waste management sector remains underdeveloped, with low collection rates, poor landfill conditions, and minimal recycling infrastructure. However, by leveraging organic waste recovery, integrating informal recyclers, and expanding formal waste management programs, the country can improve urban sanitation, reduce pollution, and create economic opportunities. Addressing regulatory gaps, increasing investment in waste processing facilities, and fostering innovation will be essential for building a circular waste economy and improving environmental health.

The Bibliography sources:

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With strategic policy reforms, investment in recycling technologies, and community-driven initiatives, Mozambique can transform waste management into an opportunity for sustainable development. The Waste Management review is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.