MDF aims to significantly reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise go to the landfill. Mafia island is a pristine environment and we would like to leave the least possible negative impact.

Initiatives will be pursued to encourage the reduce, reuse and recycling of (waste) materials. Participants are encouraged to be an organic part of the  MDF Zero Trace Initiative, to travel light and consider the amount of waste they produce, to bring along and use on site reusable/ recyclable materials only, as well as to support waste collection and recycling efforts.

Waste will be separated on site, transported and temporarily stored in a designated location in Mafia island, and then transported to Dar Es Salaam in cooperation with a designated recycling company.

All efforts will be made to encourage MDF participants to separate  their waste and collect their litter. Such efforts will include:

1. Providing MDF participants with:

-    two bin bags upon entry to the event. One for recycling and one for waste (refundable Eco-Litter Bond 10 euros)

-    portable and recyclable cigarette butt dispensers (free)

-    Reusable plates and forks for catering services

2. Placing and clear marking  of compost, recycling and waste bins at frequent intervals within public areas, the food market area and the camping site.

3. Displaying information about The MDF Zero Trace Initiative and relaying information about the separation and safe disposal of all MDF Certified recyclable/ biodegradable cutlery, plates and cups .

4. Exchange of 1 full waste/ recycling bag for a food/drink token.

GLASS HURTS! Participants must be made aware of the strict no glass policy on site. Measures will be taken to regulate the inflow of glass onto the site including:
a. Random searches upon entry to the site.
b. Impounding glass containers and/or large quantities of alcohol if found.

Market Area:

Traders in the Market Area and the crew are encouraged to reduce waste as much as possible and join in our MDF Zero Trace Initiative. The environmental management team will inform all festival contributors towards that end.
The following will help to reduce the amount of waste and increase the amount of recycled material:

a. Only MDF Certified reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable disposables will be used on site for serving food and drink. The use of plastic disposable plates and cutlery is not permitted. Organizers will supply traders and participants with MDF Certified recyclable and biodegradable disposables.

b. Waste and recycling bins, as well as compost/ organic waste bins will be placed behind and around trader’s stalls.

c. Traders are encouraged to separate and collect their waste. Organizers will supply traders with MDF Certified recycling/waste bags.

d. Recycling will be sorted into paper, glass, plastic, metal, tetrapak and battery waste streams.

e. Bars will offer only 1,5 litre bottles of water, to reduce at least 70% the amount of plastic bottles that will be used by the participants (in comparison with 0,5 litre bottles that are usually offered in similar festivals and concerts).

Crew and Volunteers:

-    Waste/ litter collectors (local crew) will be responsible for removing waste/ litter from the site with the co-ordination and planning of our Waste & Site Managers.

-    Waste/ litter collectors must ensure that bins do not overflow by making regular rubbish collections throughout the event.

-    Waste/ litter collectors will separate general waste, compostable materials and recyclables into their different waste streams. They will be given waste and recycling bags to fill.

-    Volunteer Teams (Eco-Warriors) will hand out recycling and rubbish bags to attendees, as well as information material and advices.

-    Separate depot areas will be required on site for waste, recycling and compostable materials. Each section will then be dealt with separately.

-    Waste will be checked for recyclable or compostable materials.

-    All litter and unwanted items are to be cleared from the site after the event. It is the Waste and Site Managers responsibility to make sure their area is clear of litter.