The Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA) has confirmed a ban on the disposal of liquid waste and certain putrescent waste at the Providence Landfill. The measure applies to all landfill users and follows concerns raised over several years about environmental, operational, and public-health risks.
Issues linked to the disposal of sludge at the site were first reported in 2017, when authorities identified problems including uncovered sludge and uncontrolled dumping. Temporary corrective measures were introduced then, with the intention of establishing longer-term treatment options. More recent reports highlighted continued odour complaints and the limited capacity of the landfill.
The Solid Waste Masterplan for 2020–2035 also notes that the site was not designed to receive liquid or semi-liquid waste. In 2025, a landfill expert working under a World Bank-supported project advised that such waste should not be accepted at Providence, citing risks including instability, increased methane levels, fire hazards and structural impacts.
LWMA said the ban aims to protect the environment and extend the lifespan of the landfill. Chief Executive Shane Emilie said the landfill was never engineered to manage these waste types and that the decision follows expert recommendations.
“This ban is a necessary and responsible action to safeguard the environment, ensure public safety, and preserve the operational lifespan of our national landfill. For many years, sludge disposal at Providence has posed serious risks for various reasons, including failure to meet global standards for landfill management. Recent expert advice has reinforced that the landfill was never designed to manage such waste streams. We call on all partners to collaborate with us to implement sustainable processing solutions in line with international standards and Seychelles’ vision for zero waste to landfill.”
Waste operators are required to comply with the directive. Those found to be in breach, including through false declarations, may face enforcement action under the Environment Protection Act and related regulations.
A surcharge of SR2,500 per trip applies to misdeclared waste, with additional penalties possible. The agency says the ban supports efforts to encourage alternative waste-treatment options such as anaerobic digestion, rendering, composting and waste-to-energy.