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Cameroon is missing a significant opportunity to harness waste as a source of energy, according to a new study. The research discovered that, even though the country spends over $6 million annually on waste management, most municipal garbage still ends up in landfills or is burned, with less than 4% recycled. This isn’t just a missed opportunity for waste-to-energy projects that can generate biogas and compost; it also perpetuates public health risks and electricity shortages. The study revealed that the primary barriers to these projects are a lack of strategic investment and weak policy support, with officials favoring short-term, visible fixes over innovative, long-term solutions. The research calls for a decisive shift towards a circular economy, urging policy reforms, public awareness campaigns, and public-private partnerships to transform urban waste into a valuable asset for sustainable development.
The Conversation