The Ministry of Environment and Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have today inaugurated Rwanda’s first-ever municipal waste valorisation facilities at Nduba dumpsite. The facilities consist of significant equipment and infrastructure built as part of the transformative project titled ‘Waste to Resources Project: "Improving Municipal Solid and Hazardous Waste Management in Rwanda" that commenced in July 2021.

With funding from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, this initiative marks a significant step forward in Rwanda's journey towards sustainable waste management and a circular economy. Among the newly inaugurated infrastructure are:

• Waste Sorting and Separation Facility: Capable of handling 100 tons per day, this facility will significantly improve the efficiency of waste management by enhancing the sorting and separation process at the dumpsite.
• Bio-Waste Treatment Facility: With a capacity to treat five tons per day, this facility will convert organic waste into organic fertilizers.
• Truck Weighbridge: This vital infrastructure with a capacity to handle 60 tons will ensure accurate measurement and management of waste volumes entering Nduba.

In addition to other project activities, a household waste sorting pilot, awareness raising campaigns and capacity-building initiatives have been implemented for the past three years from July 2021 to July 2024. 

Four Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) will be strategically placed across the city of Kigali to enhance collection of recyclable materials by incentivizing consumers to deposit used plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans, and e-waste in exchange for rewards. 

Additionally, a Refrigerant Gas Reclamation System has been installed at Enviroserve Rwanda Green Park in the Bugesera Industrial Park. This system safely reclaims and recycles refrigerant gasses, reducing harmful emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

These initiatives demonstrate the collaborative efforts between the Government of Rwanda, GGGI, and the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This shows the transformative power of international partnerships in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development.

“Waste should be viewed as a raw material for valorisation, not as waste. This mindset will transform the waste sector and help the country achieve its long-term vision of carbon neutrality” said Dr Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment.

“ Quote“ said Serge Wilmes, Luxembourg’s Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity. 

“Say no to unnecessary items, reduce essentials, reuse consumables, recycle what can't be declined, reduced, or reused, and compost the rest,” said Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Minister for Cooperation.

“By challenging the prevailing “collect and dump” approach and instead promoting more circularity in waste management in Kigali, the project is not only mitigating emissions from waste, but is also fostering green jobs and economic opportunities.” said Caroline Raes, Rwanda Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute.

This initiative has significantly propelled Rwanda’s efforts towards establishing a sustainable and circular waste management system, offering extensive benefits for communities and the environment. The project's holistic approach will lead to remarkable outcomes, including waste reduction at the Nduba landfill site, enhanced e-waste management, and the creation of enabling environments for sustainable waste practices. These accomplishments underscore Rwanda's commitment to achieving a zero-waste, circular economy by 2035.

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a key focus of these initiatives, with a projected annual reduction of 15,320 tCO2, contingent upon all facilities operating at full capacity. The goal of providing municipal solid waste services to 250,000 people remains a target being strived to achieve. Additionally, the creation of green jobs has been a significant highlight, with the current staff count reaching 50 employees.

About the Project 

Rwanda's rapid economic growth, fueled by urbanization and population expansion, has led to increased waste generation, posing environmental and public health risks. To address these challenges and uphold sustainability, Rwanda has prioritized waste management, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Rwanda's Ministry of Environment has initiated the Waste to Resources project. Implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the project aims to enhance municipal solid and hazardous waste management, integrating circular economy principles.

Crafted through stakeholder consultations and bilateral meetings, the project focuses on improving waste management in Kigali and secondary cities. Its objectives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating green jobs, and enhancing access to waste management services. Key outcomes include organic and plastic waste valorization, improved e-waste management, and policy enhancements coupled with capacity building.