Urban growth in Tanzania is happening at an exciting pace. Cities like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Arusha are expanding rapidly—bringing with them new businesses, real estate projects, and rising living standards. But with this growth comes a serious problem: poor waste management.

At Zambetakis, we believe that how we handle waste today will shape the future of our environment, economy, and public health. Let’s take a closer look at what’s at stake when waste isn’t managed properly—and what can be done about it.

What Happens When Waste Is Mismanaged?

When garbage is dumped in the wrong places or not collected regularly, it does more than just make a city look dirty. It causes real, lasting harm to the environment and communities:

1. Polluted Water Sources

Uncollected garbage often finds its way into rivers, lakes, and drainage systems. In Dar es Salaam, clogged drains during rainy seasons lead to flooding—and the water isn’t just rainwater. It’s contaminated with waste, causing outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

2. Toxic Air from Burning Waste

Burning trash—especially plastics and industrial waste—releases dangerous chemicals like dioxins and furans into the air. These toxins affect not just the environment, but also human health, leading to respiratory issues and long-term diseases.

3. Soil Contamination

When waste is dumped on open land, toxic substances seep into the soil, affecting agriculture and limiting land use for future development. This is especially dangerous in peri-urban and rural areas where farming supports local economies.

4. Pests & Disease

Unattended waste attracts rodents, mosquitoes, and flies. These are more than nuisances—they’re carriers of diseases like malaria, leptospirosis, and dengue.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

• Over 4,600 tons of solid waste are generated daily in Dar es Salaam alone.
• Only 40–50% of that is properly collected and disposed of.
• The remaining waste ends up in open dumps, waterways, or is burned illegally.

This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an economic one. The World Bank estimates that poor waste management can cost cities up to 5% of their GDP due to health costs, environmental damage, and infrastructure repairs.

What’s the Solution?

At Zambetakis, we’re actively working to change this narrative through professional, reliable, and sustainable waste management services:

• 📦 Household and industrial waste collection
• ♻️ Recycling and resource recovery
• 🧪 Hazardous waste disposal
• 🌱 Community education and cleanup programs

But we can’t do it alone. Real change comes when businesses, local authorities, and residents come together to create cleaner, greener cities.

What You Can Do Today

• Partner with a professional waste management company like Zambetakis
• Train staff or community members on waste segregation
• Avoid burning waste—opt for proper disposal instead
• Support local recycling initiatives

Together, We Can Build a Cleaner Tanzania

The cost of inaction is too high. But the opportunity to make a lasting difference is even greater. At Zambetakis, we’re committed to turning waste into a resource—and helping urban Tanzania grow sustainably.

👉 Get in touch with us today to learn how your home, business, or community can be part of the solution.