We have commenced our survey on plastic leakage as part of the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) project. This project, in collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA), aims to assess plastic waste management and identify areas where leakage occurs. This vital study is designed to provide actionable insights into how communities can better manage circular materials, such as plastic packaging and food waste, and reduce environmental impact.
The Circularity Assessment Protocol is a collaborative framework developed by The Jambeck Research Group at the Center for Circular Materials Management in the New Materials Institute (NMI) at UGA. CAP enables communities to collect data on circular materials management, serving as a snapshot for making informed decisions about interventions and quantifying their impacts. This framework helps in identifying weak points in the waste management system and provides strategies to enhance circularity and reduce waste leakage.
Nipe Fagio is the Local Implementing Partner (LIP) for this project. Known for driving systemic change in Tanzania and East Africa, Nipe Fagio’s expertise will be instrumental in conducting research and fieldwork, with support from the field staff who are Youth Ambassadors. Together, they will collaborate with the Jambeck Research Group to compile and analyze the research findings.
The CAP project will be conducted in various communities across Dar es Salaam, with a comprehensive approach to data collection. On-the-ground data will be gathered in seven different categories to provide a holistic characterization of the community’s circular materials management, especially regarding plastics. The seven categories of assessment are Input which will evaluate the types and quantities of materials entering the community, Consumer, Product Design, Uses, Collection, End of Cycle Management and Plastic Leakage into the Environment, Identifying points where plastics escape into the environment by collecting data from stores, shops, food vendors, litter transect and key waste management stakeholders.
The CAP project is crucial for providing a snapshot of Dar Es Salaam city’s circularity. This data-driven approach will aid local, regional, and national decision-makers in crafting policies and interventions to mitigate plastic waste leakage. The assessment will include perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders, including local individuals, government entities, businesses, and NGOs. The success of the CAP project hinges on collaborative efforts and the active participation of all stakeholders. The insights gained from this project will not only help in understanding the current state of plastic waste management but also in developing strategies to enhance circularity.
