Managing Municipal Solid Waste: Perspectives from West Africa

Abstract

This paper is a comparative analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management in West Africa focusing on Ghana, Mali and Nigeria. The paper offers a rich discussion on Municipal Solid Waste, (hereinafter referred to as MSW), its negative impacts, possible benefits and missed opportunities due to mismanagement of the same. The discussion focuses on both international and domestic legislation of the case study states on MSW and the right to environment. Inevitably, this extends to policy considerations in as far as they impact on MSW management, and to recommendations intended to enable the case study states realise the benefits of a proper MSW management system that is in line with global standards and the right to clean and healthy environment.