Cleaning Up The Past
Waste-Reduction-as-a-Service (WRaaS) in Sub Saharan Municipalities
RE+CIRCLE presents a sustainable solution to Sub Saharan municipalities' accumulating waste crisis through an innovative Waste-Reduction-as-a-Service (WRaaS) model. This zero-investment approach for municipalities transforms accumulated municipal solid waste into clean energy while addressing environmental, public health, and urban development challenges in Africa's fastest-growing cities.
Problem Statement
Accumulated Landfill Waste
Typically, over 2 million tons of municipal solid waste has accumulated over 10-20 years, occupying prime land and generating harmful leachate, methane, and toxic gases.
Urban & Public Health Impact
Waste encroachment into urban zones causes odours, pest infestations, and increased disease risks for local communities at substantial indirect economic costs.
Financial Constraints
Many Sub Saharan Municipalities lack the necessary capital to invest in large-scale waste infrastructure or energy projects to address these issues.
WRaaS Solution Overview
The WRaaS model enables the Municipality to eliminate its landfill through a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) approach requiring no upfront investment from the municipality. RE+CIRCLE will install and operate a RE+DUCE modular waste-to-energy plant capable of processing up to 200,000 tons of waste annually.
170
Tons Per Day
Daily waste processing capacity
3.7
MWe
Maximum electricity output potential
5-15
Years
Service duration with relocation option
The plant transforms municipal solid waste into usable energy forms including electricity, heat, cooling, or even potable water, with specific outputs determined by local stakeholder needs.
Environmental & Public Health Benefits
Key Environmental Improvements
- 95% reduction in waste volume
- Elimination of methane and hazardous gases
- Restoration of urban land
- Improved water safety
- Reduced carbon footprint
By processing approximately 170 tonnes* of waste daily, the WRaaS solution dramatically reduces environmental hazards while reclaiming valuable urban space for community use.
* At full capacity after staged upgrades.
Economic & Social Benefits
Local Employment
Creation of jobs for waste collection, processing, and plant operations, developing valuable technical skills within the community.
Freeing Up Land
Turn idle toxic land into valuable resource for a growing and vibrant city.
Energy Access
Reliable energy generation for off-grid communities, improving quality of life and enabling economic development.
The WRaaS model creates a positive social impact by addressing both immediate waste management needs and long-term community development goals.
Implementation Roadmap
1
Feasibility (3 months)
Comprehensive waste audit, site survey, and stakeholder engagement to determine optimal implementation strategy.
2
Design & BOO (6-12 months)
Plant design, permitting process, equipment delivery, and facility setup and commencement of operations.
3
Operations (5-15 years)
Waste-to-energy operations, regular reporting, and ongoing community support programs.
4
Relocation (Post-term)
Plant relocation to the next landfill site after completion of waste processing at the initial location.
This phased approach ensures systematic implementation with minimal disruption to existing municipal operations. Note: Roadmap is conditioned on Municipality support and secured funds and agreements.
Funding & Financial Model
Investor-Backed Solution
The entire project requires no capital investment nor any added waste handling cost from Matola Municipality, removing financial barriers to implementation.
Revenue Streams
The project generates revenue through intermittent diversion of taxes and waste handling fees, a land return commission, and energy sales, creating a sustainable financial model.
Operational Management
RE+CIRCLE and Afriprocure Solutions manage all operations and maintenance, ensuring optimal performance throughout the service period.
Municipal Obligations
The municipality pays only a service fee equal to the corresponding taxes and waste handling costs which are comfortably offset by utility savings and social and economic benefits gained from the project.
This financial structure makes the WRaaS solution immediately accessible while postponing costly landfill expansion investments.
Conclusion
Sub Saharan Africa's landfill crisis represents both a significant challenge and a unique opportunity. The RE+DUCE WRaaS model offers an immediate, practical solution that aligns environmental sustainability with economic viability and positive social impact.
By implementing this innovative approach, a Sub Saharan municipality can position itself as a pioneer in smart, circular urban development in Africa, setting a precedent for other municipalities facing similar waste management challenges.
