African population is on the rise resulting in growth of production and consumption hence impacting the number of resources used and waste generated and disposed.  On the other hand, the rate of proper waste logistics and treatment is not growing at the same speed. Only limited categories of waste are handled in a proper circular manner due to inadequate recycling systems, infrastructure, policy and regulations and general awareness of the risks. The key categories of waste generated in African cities include organic waste, plastics, paper, metal, and electronic waste. The share of organic waste in East African urban and rural areas for example is high ranging between 55 % to even 80 %. If unmanaged and not treated separately organic matter is accountable for numerous negative environmental, health and social impacts. On the other hand, it is also rich in nutrients and energy potential which can be tapped for agricultural production.

In many developing countries the informal waste and recycling operators are major contributors to the waste value chain and value derived from waste sustains livelihoods even as it employs many in the urban poor.

Envirosec supports the informal waste pickers to integrate into the formal waste management systems through training, lobby for recognition, policies and regulations,  better health and safety practices and technology integration to improve efficiency in their work especially in informal in dumpsites and informal  resettlements.