How Poor Waste Collection Is Fueling Open Waste Burning— and Worsening Air Pollution in Douala

If you live in Bonaberi or move daily through major parts of Douala, there is a reality you can no longer ignore. The thick smoke rising from roadside waste dumps. The sharp smell of burning refuse. The haze that follows you long after you’ve passed.

Open waste burning is no longer an isolated act in Douala—it is becoming normalized.

When waste collection fails, people improvise

Across the city, waste collection points are increasingly overwhelmed. When waste is not collected regularly, piles grow rapidly, decompose, smell, and spill into surrounding spaces. Faced with this situation, many residents resort to what they deem necessary to “solve” the problem: setting the waste on fire.

Burning waste openly may feel like an immediate solution to an unbearable situation, but it comes at a very high cost.

Waste openly burnt in Bonaberi, Douala (Image credit: Harrison)

Douala already struggles with poor air quality—from transport emissions, industrial pollution, and dust from unpaved roads, especially during the dry season. Open waste burning adds another dangerous layer to this already toxic mix.

A few days ago, while moving from Ndobo to Grand Hangar in Bonaberi—a distance of less than 4 km—I counted seven dumpsites where waste was being openly burned along the roadside. Seven in less than four kilometers.

This reality is likely similar—or even worse—in other parts of the city.

A growing city producing enormous amounts of waste

Douala’s population continues to grow rapidly, and so does the volume of waste it generates. Estimates suggest the city produces over 2 million tons of municipal waste annually, roughly 5,400 tons per day. While figures may be debated, one fact is undeniable: the volume of waste generated in Douala is enormous.

Any serious waste management system must be designed to handle both current waste volumes and the rapid increase that comes with population growth. Unfortunately, waste management services have not expanded proportionately creating conditions where illegal dumping and open burning thrive.

A roadside dumpsite in Bonaberi choked with waste, which was later set on fire

Civic responsibility matters—but systems matter too

In previous articles, I have highlighted the critical role of communities and citizens in ensuring effective waste management. This remains true: without civic engagement and responsibility, even the best waste management system will fail.

However, the situation becomes far more dangerous when poor civic engagement is combined with an ineffective or inadequate waste management system. The result is what we increasingly see today: open waste burning becoming a coping mechanism.

And this is where the real danger lies.

How open waste burning worsens air pollution in Douala

Because waste is not separated at source, what gets burned is a toxic mixture: plastics, organic waste, textiles, rubber, metals, and sometimes electronic waste. When burned in the open, this mixture releases highly harmful pollutants into the air.

1. Release of toxic pollutants

Open burning releases fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), carbon monoxide, dioxins, furans, and other hazardous chemicals. These pollutants penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing the risk of asthma, respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

2. Severe health impacts on vulnerable groups

Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with respiratory conditions are the most affected. In communities located close to dumpsites, exposure is often daily and prolonged—making open burning a silent but deadly threat.

3. Compounding an already polluted urban environment

Douala’s air is already burdened by traffic emissions, industrial activities, and road dust. Open waste burning adds to this load, pushing air pollution levels even higher and reducing overall quality of life in the city.

4. Long-term environmental and climate damage

Beyond immediate health effects, open burning releases black carbon and greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Toxic residues also settle into soil and waterways, contaminating ecosystems and food systems.

What can be done to improve the situation?

While the challenge is complex, solutions exist if action is taken seriously.

• Strengthen and expand waste collection services

Municipal authorities must invest in regular, reliable, and equitable waste collection, particularly in densely populated and underserved neighborhoods where waste accumulates fastest.

• Promote waste separation at household and community levels

Separating organic waste from plastics and other materials reduces the toxicity of waste and makes recycling and composting possible. Even simple separation practices can significantly reduce harmful emissions.

• Build sustained community awareness and engagement

Communities need continuous education on the health and environmental risks of open waste burning, alongside practical alternatives. When people understand the risks—and have realistic options—behavior change becomes possible.

A shared responsibility for clean air

Addressing open waste burning and air pollution in Douala is a collective responsibility. Government action, community engagement, and individual behavior must work together.

Organizations such as Clean Air Initiative Cameroon are working to raise awareness about air pollution, promote citizen science, research and advocate for cleaner urban environments. At the same time, International Student Environmental Coalition Cameroon continues to empower young people and communities through environmental education and civic engagement.

Clean air is not a luxury. It is a right

And tackling poor waste management—especially open waste burning—is one of the most urgent steps we must take to protect public health and secure a livable future for Douala.

Author: Harrison Ashangwa

E-Mail: harrison.ashangwa@isecoalition.org