Mauritius Faces Growing Hazardous Waste Management Challenges
Mauritius produces approximately 1,000 tons of medical waste annually, with existing management systems under pressure. The GEF-ISLANDS initiative aims to improve hazardous waste management in the Indian Ocean region, highlighting the need for regional collaboration and sustainable practices.

Mauritius generated around 1,000 tons of medical waste per year as of now, with significant portions buried at the Mare-Chicose landfill, which is operating beyond its design capacity of 400 tons daily. The GEF-ISLANDS project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and UNDP, aims to enhance hazardous waste management across Mauritius, the Seychelles, Comoros, and the Maldives, promoting a circular economy.
Ralph Connery discussed challenges faced by small island states and introduced the Moana Taka maritime partnership as a potential model for waste transport. Currently, Mauritius lacks effective incineration facilities for medical waste, raising environmental concerns related to compliance with the Basel Convention. The ongoing vertical extension of Mare-Chicose anticipates the operational launch of two new processing facilities by 2028 to significantly improve waste recycling rates.




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