Dakar can efficiently handle current and future volumes of solid waste if the following

steps are taken: i) informal waste collection is synchronised with that of the municipal

authorities; ii) environmental laws and regulations are enforced; iii) public awarenesss

of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices is promoted; and iv) sustainable

financing of the sector is assured. These steps are critical for informal settlements

which are home to most of the urban population, yet are underserved by the municipal

authorities. In addition, a reliance on open dumpsites continues to place public health

at risk. This brief assesses current SWM practice and outlines stakeholder opinions on

ways to improve SWM, both in the short and long term. The findings indicate inefficient

SWM practices that put residents at risk, due to direct impacts and through secondary

pathways, such as flooding.