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Challenges and Prospects of Solid Waste Management in Monrovia City, Liberia

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  • N. Robert Kerkulah Geninyan

    (Near east university, institute of graduate studies department of Environmental Education and Management Nicosia, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey.)

  • Engin Baysen

    (Associate. Professor/ Doctor, Department of Environmental Education and Management, Near east university, institute of graduate studies department of Environmental Education and Management Nicosia, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey.)

  • Askin Kiraz

    (Associate. Professor/ Doctor, Department of Environmental Education and Management, Near east university, institute of graduate studies department of Environmental Education and Management Nicosia, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey.)

Abstract

Poor solid waste management practices can affect the environment and people’s health in a number of ways. Therefore, limiting these negative consequences may be achieved by establishing effective solid waste management systems. The primary objective of the study was to identify the mechanisms behind solid waste management practices in Monrovia, Liberia. Information was acquired from 400 (female: 294; male: 106) participants from four important districts of the city using a questionnaire. A simple random sampling approach was used to collect data. The results showed that leftover food accounted for 47.79% of the solid waste generated, with plastic (28.25%), paper (18.2%), metal (1.51%), and miscellaneous materials (4.16%) respectively. On average, each person created 0.3 kg of solid waste daily. 384 respondents or 96% of those surveyed, confessed to never having separated recyclables from garbage. 384 of the collection, or 89%, are done by children. 94.75% the respondents (379 respondents) acknowledged using unlawful means to dispose of their garbage, including burning in the complex (394, or 98.5%), dumping in their yard (294, or 73.5%), burying (275, or 68.8%), and discarding on the road (312, or 78%). This was confirmed through the collection of field data, and it stands as one of the biggest threats to people’s health. This investigation also showed that there was no efficient solid waste management system in the area under examination. The respondents agreed that there was a lack of clear environmental rules and legislation, community connection, door-to-door solid waste collection, and government involvement in any way. They said that the government only tried to spread awareness when outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19 were present. The administration is therefore urged to concentrate more on introducing and increasing knowledge of the country’s policies and strategies. Additionally, there should be useful lessons (techniques) for handling solid waste that is imported into the nation from abroad.

Suggested Citation

  • N. Robert Kerkulah Geninyan & Engin Baysen & Askin Kiraz, 2023. "Challenges and Prospects of Solid Waste Management in Monrovia City, Liberia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 7(3), pages 62-76, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:7:y:2023:i:3:p:62-76
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin & Jutta Gutberlet & Anahita Ramezani & Sayed Mohammad Nasiruddin, 2020. "Experiencing the Everyday of Waste Pickers: A Sustainable Livelihoods and Health Assessment in Dhaka City, Bangladesh," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(6), pages 833-853, August.
    3. Struk, Michal, 2017. "Distance and incentives matter: The separation of recyclable municipal waste," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 155-162.
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