Eswatini Targets 30% Organic Waste Composting by 2035

Eswatini has set a target to compost 30% of its nationally generated organic waste by 2035, as part of efforts to reduce methane emissions and transition towards a circular economy. This goal is outlined in the country's third Nationally Determined Contribution, submitted in September 2025. The target is part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of waste through prevention, reuse, recycling, and resource recovery.

A 2021 national study found that approximately 84% of Eswatini's waste is organic, presenting a significant opportunity for composting and reducing methane emissions. However, the country's 2022 greenhouse gas inventory estimated that only about 1% of municipal solid waste was being composted. Prime Minister Russell Dlamini highlighted the need to close this gap to reduce methane emissions, restore nutrients to agricultural soils, and create economic opportunities.

To achieve its targets, Eswatini has launched a five-year initiative covering 2025 to 2030, with support from a Global Environment Facility grant of approximately $4.935 million. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national stakeholders, focuses on addressing plastic, electronic, and healthcare waste, strengthening resource recovery, and reducing exposure to hazardous pollutants.

The government is also strengthening its Waste Management Information System to ensure that policies and investments are guided by reliable information and that progress can be properly measured. This system will help track waste generation, collection, and disposal, and inform decision-making on waste management. Eswatini aims to use this data to improve waste management practices and make informed decisions on waste-to-wealth initiatives.

Prime Minister Dlamini identified expanding waste separation at source, community composting, and municipal collection of organic waste as key priorities. The government will also explore the feasibility of anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and recover nutrients. These efforts aim to reduce methane emissions, create economic opportunities, and promote sustainable waste management practices.

Eswatini's transition to a circular economy is expected to deliver environmental and economic benefits. The government emphasizes the importance of ensuring that communities benefit economically from the transition, particularly those already involved in waste collection and recycling. By promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives, Eswatini aims to create new economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.

The country's efforts to reduce methane emissions and promote sustainable waste management practices are part of a broader commitment to addressing climate change. Eswatini's initiatives have been recognized internationally, including at the COP31 Leaders' Roundtable on Zero Waste, Circularity and Methane in Antalya, Türkiye. The government remains committed to achieving its targets and promoting a circular economy.

Key points

• Eswatini aims to compost 30% of its organic waste by 2035.
• The country has launched a five-year initiative to address plastic, electronic, and healthcare waste, with support from a $4.935 million Global Environment Facility grant.
• Eswatini's transition to a circular economy is expected to deliver environmental and economic benefits.