Household Solid Waste Management in Monrovia, Liberia: Influencing Factors, Characteristics, and Management Solutions

Abstract

The ineffective management of household solid waste (HSW) in most developing cities in Africa including Monrovia has become a major issue threatening the environment and public health. In response to these waste challenges, developed countries have embarked upon major environmental reforms, and have made advances in best practices and sustainable management of their Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). However, in most developing countries like Liberia, such environmental reforms have not been initiated and therefore the situation has become compounded; this is due to several factors impeding the development of a sustainable municipal solid waste system. This study, therefore, aims to critically analyze the influencing factors of solid waste management; the characteristics of household waste and suggest management solutions for effective and sustainable management.<br/> Results from the analysis of data, using The Ordinary Least Square Regression (OLS) method estimates the average household waste per capita generation as 0.76kg/capita/day. Regarding the composition of the waste stream, the results show that 67% of the waste sampled from Monrovia is biodegradable and mostly comprised of high wet weight and high moisture content kitchen waste. On the other hand, the remaining percentage is mostly non-degradable but recyclable materials such as glass ceramics and metals. This suggests that due to the high moisture content in the waste, samples are suitable for composting and other mechanical and biological management options. Using the stratified sampling method, 300 households were chosen. Multiple regressions were conducted to determine the relationship between waste generation and socio-economic factors and these showed that the effect of income, household size and the environmental concern on HSW generation is statistically significant at a 1% significance. However, further findings revealed a negative relationship between income and HSW generation at a 1% level of significance. These findings provide new insight regarding the role of socio-economic characteristics affecting the generation of household waste in Monrovia.

Rethinking sustainability: a review of Liberia’s municipal solid waste management systems, status, and challenges

“…Similarly, a study conducted by UNEP [23] found that waste is sub-divided into categories: organic (food scraps, papers cardboard, wood): inorganic waste (plastics, cans, bottles), and electronic waste (metals). Also, a recent study on the influencing factors of increased household waste generation conducted by [16] The results showed the composition of waste by households of different income groups. The study results further showed that waste generated by these diverse income groups varied from one household to another, as shown in Fig.…”

“…However, most developing countries including Liberia are falling behind because of the lack of resources, lack of technical and technological skills, weak legislation, etc. [16,31,33].…”

“…The absence of these factors has resulted in the improper collection of waste, inadequate disposal of waste, and environmental threats. Researchers David Jr Victor E. John Y., & Wenchao J [15] and David Jr Victor E. Wenchao J., & Mmereki D [16] have observed that sustainable waste management in Liberia requires basic education provided through national educational programs and the formation of a skilled technical workforce. The formation of this technical workforce will pave the way for the identification of problems within the current system, options for improvements, priorities to address problems, resources needed for operational activities, and the selection of appropriate treatment options.…”

“…Recent research has shown that approximately 2.2 billion people have inadequate access to basic sanitation services [13,14]. Against this background, governments around the world have become increasingly interested in sustainable environment thus contributing to the formulation of several approaches to minimizing waste, enhancing waste recovery, promoting waste recycling [14,15], and safe landfill waste disposal [16]. Additionally, most developed countries have prioritized waste management activities followed by the complete adoption of the 4Rs; 'reduction, reclaiming, recycle and reusing or recovery' of scrap.…”

“…In addition, data for research and policy purposes are generally limited due to the lack of research and development [22]. In a study conducted by the Emergency Monrovia Urban Sanitation project [EMUS, [17], in collaboration with the municipal corporation in Monrovia, the annual tons of inert waste generated in the provincial capital city of Monrovia was reported as 780 tons /day with an average waste generation of 0.63 kg/capita a day in 2017 [16,23]. Additionally, data regarding waste generated in other parts of the country are still unavailable.…”