Métropolisation, décentralisation et gestion des déchets : perspectives d'articulation de l'économique circulaire à Yaoundé

Details

Supervisors

Raskin, Jean-Pierre

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master de spécialisation interdisciplinaire en sciences et gestion de l'environnement et du développement durable

Abstract

enYaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, is undergoing rapid urbanisation as a result of significant population growth. This process is exacerbating the difficulties associated with urban waste management, which remains poorly regulated due to a lack of appropriate infrastructure, sporadic collection and insufficient waste recovery. To date, most of the waste generated by the city, including plastics, organic waste, electronic waste and inert waste, is either left in unsuitable places or sent to unregulated landfill sites, creating risks for the environment and public health. Waste management in Yaoundé is handled by the company HYSACAM, which offers limited services and manages the collection of around 40% of the waste generated daily. A new company called THYCHOLF, set up by the City Council, was recently created with a view to managing Yaoundé's waste on its own. However, its contribution to improving the waste management system in Yaoundé has yet to be demonstrated. Any effective recovery strategy is compromised by the lack of sorting at source and the lack of specialised centres. Plastic waste, which accounts for around 10% of urban waste in Yaoundé, is rarely recycled, while the majority (65%) of organic waste is buried without proper treatment. Electronic waste, despite its small volume, represents a danger due to its capacity to pollute through the heavy metals it contains. At the same time, residual waste such as construction debris and textiles is often managed unofficially. Against the backdrop of these issues, the adoption of the circular economy seems to be an appropriate response. This requires the establishment of selective sorting systems, the refinement of appropriate recycling circuits and the use of the recovery potential of residues (composting, biodigestion, conversion of plastics and recovery of metals). A number of local initiatives, albeit limited, such as that of the NGO Tam-Tam Mobile, located in the Yaoundé 6 district of the city of Yaoundé, are striving to establish more sustainable waste management, notably through public-private partnerships and public awareness campaigns. However, there are still obstacles in the way: inadequate regulations, a lack of funding and a lack of commitment on the part of local authorities and the general public. For waste management to be both effective and sustainable, it is crucial to optimise sorting and recovery facilities, consolidate regulations and encourage a strong commitment from public and private players. Implementing the circular economy could therefore help to reduce pollution, generate economic opportunities and raise living standards in Yaoundé.