Sharing this related event happening tomorrow

As the second annual United Nations International Day of Zero Waste approaches, GAIA is holding a live virtual event, “The Year of Zero Waste: From Momentum to Action,” on March 27. Join thought leaders–including policymakers, grassroots community leaders, climate and waste finance experts, and zero waste implementers– in a lively conversation on what it will take to escalate progress on zero waste worldwide based on current trends, obstacles, and proven strategies. Our panelists will dive into the cross-cutting themes that enable the transition into zero waste, including climate and waste management finance, social inclusion, waste prevention through plastic reduction, organic waste management, and more, as well as the myriad social and economic co-benefits municipalities have seen through the implementation of zero waste systems.

When: March 27, 9AM-10AM CET/ 1:30-2:30PM IST

Register here: bit.ly/ZWDay-AP-Africa-Eu

Hello  All,

As we approach the commemoration of International Day on Zero Waste 2024, scheduled for March 30th, I would like to share my personal experience regarding the persistent issue of solid waste in sanitation, particularly in many Sub-Saharan African countries. In Lusaka, for instance, faecal sludge emptied from informal pit latrines is typically laden with solid waste, posing significant challenges for management.

There have been discussions about standardizing toilet designs to prevent the deposition of solid waste in pit latrines, as well as exploring technologies that facilitate complete emptying or selective retention of solid waste in the latrines during latrine emptying processes. However, these solutions also present their own set of challenges.  For instance, while taking away solid waste from the pit when emptying may satisfy household clients, they often result in logistical challenges when the faecal sludge, contaminated with solid waste, is transported to treatment facilities. Many existing faecal sludge treatment systems are ill-equipped to handle solid waste, necessitating solid waste screening and disposal in landfills despite its hazardous nature. See Image:

Screened solid waste from faecal sludge at FSTP in Lusaka Zambia processed for block making photo by CaDev








Recognizing the urgency of closing this waste management loop, I initiated a solution through an innovation-driven organization I founded, CaDev_Capacity Development  in Zambia. Our aim is to put an end to the disposal of solid waste contaminated faecal sludge ending up in landfills by utilizing pyrolysis technology to convert this waste into a valuable resource known as "poop blocks." These blocks are non-toxic, environmentally sustainable, and contribute to carbon sequestration, offering benefits for waste management, climate mitigation and environmental conservation efforts. 

Our FS poop blocks ready for a building project


I am eager to learn about similar solid waste management solutions aimed at addressing the sanitation sector's challenges ahead of the March 30th commemoration.

Dear All,

Today is "International Day of Zero Waste" which falls on 30th March every year, the day is meant to raise awareness on the importance of zero waste and responsible consumption, production practices and urban waste management contributing to achieving sustainable development.

Yesterday a group of Environmental Health students from Levy Mwanawasa Medical University in Lusaka, Zambia went for a field learning visit to stir up innovation in protecting water source points against indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. During the visit, there was community engagement with Mhatma School Management to come up with sustainable solutions to poor solid waste management being practiced by the community surrounding Mhatma School and Public Library in Mtendere Compound a peri- urban area in Lusaka district.

The students have plans to engage with tthe community using the Urban School and Community Led Total Sanitation Hygiene Education Methodology in Mtendere in partnership with key stakeholders to be identified.

Best,
Rosemary.