Waste-Free Oceans Releases New Report on Feza River Waste Collection
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – January 2025
Waste Free Oceans (WFO) is proud to present its latest report, "River Waste Trap Barrier Report #7," detailing the waste collected from the Feza River in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This comprehensive analysis highlights the critical role of waste interception in protecting marine environments and underscores the urgency of improved waste management systems.
In January 2025, WFO, in collaboration with The Recycler and Eco Eyewear, successfully removed 154 kilograms of waste from the Feza River. This waste, which would have otherwise flowed into the ocean, consisted mainly of glass bottles, PET plastics, residual waste, and fabric. The report provides a breakdown of the types of materials collected, emphasizing the high prevalence of beverage packaging waste and other non-biodegradable pollutants.
Key findings from the report include:
Glass bottles made up a significant portion of the collected waste, totaling 36 kilograms.
Colored PET bottles (29 kg) and plain PET bottles (27 kg) were the most common plastic waste items.
Residual waste accounted for 31 kilograms, further highlighting the pressing need for improved waste management solutions.
Other waste types, including hard plastics, fabric, and even discarded sandals and shoes, showcased the diverse nature of pollution affecting the Feza River.
Beyond just numbers, the report sheds light on the broader environmental impact of waste pollution. PET bottles, for instance, take up to 450 years to degrade, making their presence in waterways a long-term ecological challenge. The study also calls attention to the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs, which urge businesses to take accountability for the end-of-life management of their products.
"The data from the Feza River clean-up clearly illustrates that recycling initiatives must be scaled up, and awareness campaigns should be intensified to drive behavioral change," says WFO. "By working together with businesses, governments, and local communities, we can create sustainable waste management systems that prevent pollution before it reaches our oceans."
This report is a call to action for greater investment in recycling infrastructure, sustainable product design, and responsible waste disposal practices. As we continue to expand our waste interception efforts, we invite stakeholders from across industries to join us in the fight against plastic pollution.
To access the full Feza River Waste Trap Barrier Report #7, download it.
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