Dar es Salaam imposes fines for littering
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In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, authorities began enforcing a new bylaw in 2024 that penalises people who litter. Individuals caught discarding trash improperly, including items like candy wrappers or banana peels, now face fines ranging from 300,000 to 1,000,000 Tanzanian shillings, or up to 24 months in prison.
The move follows calls for stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations alongside cleanup campaigns.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila directed district commissioners to involve the National Service Corps (JKT) in monitoring environmental laws and controlling illegal dumping. President Samia Suluhu Hassan had previously urged officials to address the city’s cleanliness issues. Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo stated the city will rigorously enforce the 2024 bylaw. Section 41 of the law defines environmental offenses, while Section 42 outlines associated penalties.
Beyond littering, the law also prohibits improper drainage, public urination, and operating garages outside designated areas. To carry out enforcement, the city plans to use young people from the JKT and motorcycle taxi drivers to identify offenders. Fines will be collected electronically to ensure transparency. The city also intends to provide public education about the new regulations before issuing penalties, and to equip buses with waste containers to prevent littering during transit.
