The Mare Chicose landfill in Mauritius has been the country’s primary waste disposal site since 1997. For decades, it has served as the final destination for hundreds of thousands of tonnes of rubbish generated across the island. Today, however, Mare Chicose is at a breaking point. Following a major fire at the site, environmental specialists have raised urgent concerns, warning that without a radical shift in waste management policies, Mauritius could face an environmental crisis of unprecedented scale.
The Landfill’s Capacity Has Reached Its Limit
Currently, Mare Chicose receives between 480,000 and 500,000 tonnes of waste annually. Studies show that the site has already reached saturation, leaving no room for the growing volume of waste produced by Mauritians each year. According to Professor Khalil Elahee from the University of Mauritius, this is no longer a distant concern—it is an immediate reality. Without alternative solutions, the country risks finding itself without a functioning waste disposal system within the near future.
Data from the past decade paints a worrying picture. The amount of solid waste sent to landfills per capita has surged by 28.7%, from 0.87 kg per day in 2012 to 1.12 kg per day in 2021. This sharp increase highlights not just population growth, but also unsustainable consumption patterns that exacerbate the pressure on waste infrastructure.
The Absence of a Clear Waste Management Policy
Despite years of public discourse about sustainability and transforming Mauritius into a “green island,” no substantial changes in waste management policy have been implemented. Successive promises by government officials have failed to materialize into concrete action. In July 2020, the Minister of Environment, Kavy Ramano, announced plans to establish five additional waste collection centers in high-density areas to tackle illegal dumping and encourage recycling. However, years later, no such facilities have been built.
This lack of follow-through undermines public trust and prolongs environmental risks. Without proper waste segregation, recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns, the landfill remains the default solution—one that is quickly running out of time.
Expert Warnings and Political Criticism
Environmental experts are not alone in sounding the alarm. Osman Mahomed, a member of the opposition and former head of the Maurice Ile Durable (MID) project, has sharply criticized the government’s handling of the waste crisis. He points out the absence of specific policies for hazardous waste such as LEDs, pharmaceutical waste, and medical waste—all of which currently end up at Mare Chicose. These materials pose severe threats to both public health and the environment.
Mahomed recalls previous initiatives under MID, including distributing compost bins to households to promote home composting and reduce waste sent to the landfill. Unfortunately, these programs were discontinued after a change in government, marking a step backwards in sustainable waste management efforts.
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Environmental and Political Concerns Surrounding Mare Chicose
The landfill at Mare Chicose has been a focal point of environmental debates in Mauritius for decades. While officials often highlight plans for a greener, more sustainable island, in practice, little progress has been made toward a comprehensive waste management strategy. Successive governments have continued to rely heavily on this single landfill, despite growing evidence of its saturation and the associated environmental risks.
In July 2020, the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management, and Climate Change, Kavy Ramano, announced during a parliamentary session that the government was identifying potential sites for five additional waste disposal centers near densely populated areas. These facilities, he claimed, would allow residents to dispose of waste not typically handled by local authorities, helping to curb illegal dumping and promote recycling under the principles of a circular economy. Unfortunately, no tangible developments have been observed since that announcement.
Criticism from Political Figures
Former head of the Mauritius Sustainable Island (MID) project, opposition MP Osman Mahomed, strongly criticized the government’s handling of waste management. He warned about the dangers of sending hazardous waste such as LEDs, pharmaceuticals, and medical waste to Mare Chicose, arguing that the government has “failed miserably” in addressing these issues. During his tenure, Mahomed promoted composting and household recycling initiatives aimed at reducing landfill volumes. However, these projects were abandoned in 2016, marking a setback for sustainability efforts.
Mahomed accused the government of misleading the public about its commitment to a circular economy, noting that after three years of promises, conditions have only worsened. He also raised transparency concerns regarding air quality tests at Mare Chicose, suggesting that independent laboratories should be involved to ensure credibility.
Proposed Alternatives for Mare Chicose
Experts suggest that Mauritius should move towards a decentralized waste management system, creating multiple smaller treatment and recycling centers across the island to reduce dependency on Mare Chicose. Such facilities could handle specific waste streams, such as organic composting, plastics recycling, and e-waste treatment, ensuring that only non-recyclable residues end up in landfills.
Additionally, adopting waste-to-energy solutions could help convert a portion of the island’s waste into electricity, reducing landfill volume while contributing to renewable energy targets.
The Role of Public Awareness
While government action is critical, the general public must also play its part in extending the lifespan of Mare Chicose. Household-level waste segregation, reduction of single-use plastics, and participation in recycling programs can make a significant difference. Schools and community groups could run awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the environmental cost of waste mismanagement.
NGOs and environmental activists have already started initiatives to promote sustainable waste habits, but broader participation and consistent messaging are required to create lasting change.
Conclusion
The challenges faced by Mare Chicose are a wake-up call for Mauritius. Without swift and strategic action, the environmental, economic, and health impacts will only worsen. This moment presents an opportunity for policymakers, businesses, and citizens to unite around a shared vision of sustainability. By adopting proven international best practices and fostering a culture of responsibility, Mauritius can transform its waste crisis into a model of environmental innovation.
For more information on sustainable waste management strategies, visit United Nations Environment Programme.
