Comparative Urban Waste Management in Developing Countries—Case Studies of Nairobi and Johannesburg Cities of Africa

Municipal waste management is growing to be the world’s greatest environmental issue. In this chapter, urban waste management was linked to sustainable development in the cities of Johannesburg and Nairobi. Using a comparative analysis of academic literature, the chapter explored the solid waste management practices and policies the cities have implemented over time. In addition, the chapter made suggestions on the improvements that can be taken up to enhance sound solid waste management and ultimately, sustainable urban and environmental management. The results of the two case studies showed that municipal waste storage is rudimentary while waste collection and transportation to disposal areas are the most visible aspect of waste management. Nairobi City lacked an engineered landfill facility while Johannesburg had four landfills. The local governments oversaw the provision of waste services. Environmental concerns due to mismanagement of the waste were pointed out in both case studies with waste pickers having direct exposure as they search for recyclables. A policy-action gap was evident due to non-cooperation of waste regulatory agencies and poor enforcement of laws hence their poor uptake. To enhance sustainable waste management in the cities the study recommended for a change of attitude toward waste recovery and a circular economy, cooperation of stakeholders and regulatory agencies, enforcement of waste management laws and improved infrastructure to deal with the growing demand for waste services. This is possible through public–private partnerships, action-based planning and local participation in waste management undertakings.