A comprehensive review of waste management practices in Liberia: Challenges, policy gaps, health implications, and strategic solutions for sustainable development

Waste management in Liberia faces significant challenges, particularly in urban areas, due to inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and low public awareness, leading to environmental degradation and public health risks. The present review aims to assess Liberia's current waste management system, identify key challenges in infrastructure and public participation, and propose sustainable strategies for improvement. The analysis employs a comprehensive methodology that combines report evaluation, stakeholder surveys, and community input. It examines successful international case studies to identify best practices for Liberia, incorporating findings from public and private sector reports to propose targeted improvements for waste management practices in Greater Monrovia. The findings reveal inefficiencies in the current system, with only 40 % of urban waste collected regularly, contributing to a 25 % increase in illegal dumping over the past five years. The Whein Town landfill, which receives over 582 tons of waste daily, operates near capacity without proper leachate and gas management, causing environmental contamination. Infectious waste generation across 15 healthcare facilities averaged 0.137 kg/bed/day, with a projected 15 % annual increase. Furthermore, the absence of specific waste management laws, inadequate funding, and weak enforcement exacerbate these challenges at the Whein Town landfill and other areas in Greater Monrovia. The proposed waste management system includes centralized transfer stations, improved waste tracking, and expanded recycling and composting efforts. Whereas, expected outcomes are a 30 % increase in waste collection coverage and a 20 % reduction in landfill waste within three years. International donors and public-private partnerships could bridge the financial and technological gaps, potentially improving waste management efficiency by 35 % and facilitating the development of waste-to-energy projects. Effective waste management in Liberia requires policy development, infrastructure investment, and public engagement. Implementation of these measures could significantly enhance the efficiency of waste management processes, reduce environmental and health impacts, and promote sustainable practices nationwide.