A label for responsible waste management

LSC Environmental Engineering‘s commitment to the circular economy is taking shape in a project to develop a Zero Waste label for waste recovery in Senegal, in partnership with the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg through the Business Partnership Facility (BPF) of the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation (LuxDev). This label will make it possible to raise the funds needed to support projects to improve waste collection and recovery in Senegal, while minimising waste at source.

What is the origin of this initiative?

Our commitment to waste reduction in Senegal stems from our long-standing presence in the country, where our subsidiary in Dakar has been operating for several decades. Over time, we have increasingly noticed the devastating impact of waste on the environment and local communities. As environmental engineering professionals, we felt compelled to find sustainable solutions to this problem.

Where does this waste come from? Is it waste from abroad or from local residents?

Litter in Senegal comes mainly from residents and local industries, due to a lack of adequate waste management infrastructure. At the same time, population growth and rapid urbanisation have contributed to the problem by increasing the amount of waste generated, without providing the necessary means to treat or recycle it effectively.

What are the main challenges you face in combating litter in Senegal?

The challenges we face in combating littering in Senegal are numerous and complex. They include the need to raise public awareness and to set up waste collection and treatment infrastructure. We also have to overcome financial and regulatory obstacles that can hinder the implementation of sustainable solutions. Waste collection and sorting require significant investment in relation to their financial return, while the risk of fines for polluting companies often remains a weak deterrent.

Could you explain exactly what the Zero Waste label concept you have developed consists of?

Our Zero Waste label aims to raise consumer awareness of environmental challenges while supporting concrete waste management initiatives in emerging countries.

By choosing a product bearing our Zero Waste label, consumers are choosing a product that has generated no waste throughout its life cycle, thus contributing significantly to the overall reduction of waste. This approach not only promotes more responsible consumption, but also supports concrete waste management initiatives in emerging countries. The funds generated in this way directly fuel local efforts to improve waste management and create sustainable jobs.

Will the projects focus on Senegal or will they also involve other developing countries facing the same issues?

Our decision to start with Senegal is motivated by our long-standing experience in the country and our in-depth knowledge of its waste management needs. In addition, Senegal faces significant challenges related to fly-tipping, making it a fertile ground for launching our pilot initiative. However, our vision extends beyond Senegal’s borders; ultimately, we aspire to give this label an international dimension and support projects in various countries facing similar issues.

Where are you in the roll-out of your project and what are the next steps you are considering?

We have conducted an in-depth analysis of the waste problem in Senegal, identifying its origins and scale. We are currently focusing on studying the behaviour and expectations of consumers in the Greater Region through market research. We then plan to mobilise the necessary resources to launch the label. The next steps involve recruiting local partners, setting up a system for monitoring and evaluating funded projects, and promoting the label to consumers and businesses.

Did the study reveal increased awareness among Luxembourg consumers and businesses of environmental issues in other countries?

The market research highlighted a growing awareness among Luxembourg consumers and businesses of environmental issues in other countries. On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 represents “not at all” and 10 “extremely”, the average response indicates a high level of environmental awareness, with an average score of 8. In addition, the question about concern for the environmental impact of purchases revealed an average score of 7.5, highlighting a real sensitivity to these issues.

It is also interesting to note that the majority of respondents said they were willing to pay up to 25% more for products bearing this label, demonstrating strong consumer interest in ethical and environmentally friendly products.

On the business side, most are willing to invest up to 10% of their waste treatment and recovery costs to obtain a zero-waste label, demonstrating a willingness to actively engage in waste reduction and the promotion of sustainable practices.