Konza pioneers Africa’s first automatic waste collection system

KENYA – Konza Technopolis, Kenya’s Vision 2030 flagship smart city, has taken a major step forward in sustainable urban development by launching Africa’s first automatic solid waste collection system.

The KES1.165 billion (US$9.02m) project, developed by Spanish company Envac, eliminates the need for traditional garbage trucks, positioning Konza among the world’s most advanced cities in waste management. 

Unlike conventional waste management systems, which rely on manual collection and truck transportation, Konza’s pneumatic waste collection technology uses an underground vacuum pipeline network to transport waste at 70 km per hour to a central waste terminal.

The system can process up to 40 tonnes of waste daily. 

“Konza’s automatic waste collection system is the first of its kind in Africa,” explains Alice Obota, an electrical engineer involved in its installation and commissioning.

“It significantly reduces carbon emissions, speeds up waste processing, and prevents the environmental issues caused by overflowing bins and inefficient collection.”

The 14.8-kilometre pipeline network connects 100 waste inlets, strategically placed near residential and office buildings.

Each inlet is grouped into sets of four, allowing users to separate waste at the source into plastics, paper, mixed waste, and organics. Sensors monitor the waste levels and automatically activate the suction system when full.

Comparing Konza’s system to traditional waste management 

In contrast, major cities across Africa, such as Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg, still rely on truck-based waste collection systems, which pose several challenges: 

• Delays and Overflowing Waste – Nairobi generates over 3,000 tonnes of waste daily, but inefficient collection leads to overflowing bins, illegal dumpsites, and environmental pollution.
• Carbon Emissions – Traditional waste collection trucks contribute to high carbon emissions and fuel consumption, worsening air quality.
• Sanitation and Health Risks – Open waste bins attract pests and rodents, creating public health hazards and foul smells.

Konza’s airtight and fully automated system eliminates these problems. Industrial filters at the waste terminal ensure clean air release, and the enclosed design prevents odours and pest infestations.

Additionally, the system saves 89 tonnes of carbon emissions annually by eliminating waste collection trucks.

Beyond waste collection, Konza Technopolis is designed as a model for sustainable urban development, integrating various eco-friendly initiatives that support its green vision.

One key component of this strategy is the 30-acre solar farm, which will provide renewable energy to power the city, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. 

Water conservation is also a priority at Konza. The city utilizes treated wastewater that meets World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards for irrigation.

This recycled water maintains tree-lined roads and green spaces, ensuring the city remains environmentally friendly while conserving fresh water resources.

70% tree canopy coverage is being implemented across the technopolis to further enhance urban sustainability.

This extensive greenery reduces urban heat, improves air quality, and encourages residents to walk rather than drive, promoting a healthier and more pedestrian-friendly environment.

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