Dodoma allocates US$1.14M for recycling, waste management

TANZANIA – Dodoma has launched a region-wide cleanliness campaign backed by a TSh3 billion (US$1.14 million) investment in waste management and recycling, alongside stricter enforcement targeting indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags and packaging materials.

Rosemary Senyamule, regional commissioner, unveiled the Regional Sustainable Cleanliness Campaign under the theme “Dodoma Our Pride, Cleanliness Our Responsibility” during World Cleanup Day commemorations in Msalato Ward. 

She said the initiative implemented directives issued by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Senyamule stated that cleanliness was not a matter of choice but the responsibility of every citizen and institution, adding that monthly community clean-up exercises would continue on the last Saturday of every month alongside inspections in residential and business areas without disrupting economic activities.

Recycling Systems Identified as Priority for Plastic and Packaging Waste

The regional commissioner condemned indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags and packaging materials, calling for stronger collection and recycling systems to protect the city’s environment and image. 

This focus on recycling reflects growing pressure on East African municipalities to recover packaging waste as consumption of packaged goods rises. 

Improved recycling systems create demand for sorting infrastructure, transfer stations and processing capacity, while enforcement measures aim to change disposal behaviour at household and commercial level.

Penalties Enforced Against Environmental Offenders

Senyamule warned that individuals, businesses and institutions found violating sanitation regulations would face legal action, including fines. 

She described the campaign as marking the beginning of sustained implementation of cleanliness responsibilities rather than a one-day exercise.

Waste Collection Budget Expands Service Providers and Community Groups

Jabir Shekimweri, Dodoma district commissioner, said the City Council had allocated TSh3 billion (US$1.14 million) for waste collection and disposal while expanding service providers and engaging 20 community groups in cleanliness activities. 

Presenting the council’s report, Mkana Mkana, head of the Waste Management and Environmental Sanitation Unit, said inspections had covered 2,675 households and 1,582 businesses, leading to the collection of TSh5.66 million (US$2,152) in penalties from environmental offenders. 

He added that traders operating in unauthorised locations continued to be relocated to designated markets and formal trading areas.

Recycling Infrastructure Supports Circular Economy Goals

Residents who joined the launch pledged to continue participating in monthly cleanup exercises to protect public health and preserve Dodoma’s status as the national capital. 

For packaging producers and brand owners, stricter local enforcement combined with recycling investment may accelerate interest in recyclable formats and extended producer responsibility arrangements. 

Improved recovery of plastic and packaging materials reduces landfill volumes while supplying recyclers with feedstock, supporting Tanzania’s broader circular economy objectives and creating income opportunities within collection and processing networks.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE