By Grace Q. Bryant
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially introduced the National Solid Waste Management Policy to key stakeholders as part of Liberia’s effort to comply with the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The policy, which was presented at a stakeholders’ meeting in Monrovia, aims to tackle critical waste management challenges, particularly in urban centers such as Monrovia and Paynesville.
EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yakpawolo emphasized the need for collaboration among the government, municipalities, and private service providers to ensure the successful implementation of the policy.
Yakpawolo stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “We invite private service providers to play a vital role in the Solid Waste Management sector. Together, we can secure funding and enhance the operation and maintenance of waste management facilities.”
The new policy underscores the importance of partnerships with international organizations and civil society in fostering a clean and healthy environment.
The EPA views these partnerships as critical to addressing the country’s growing waste problem. Yakpawolo reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to making sure the policy guides nationwide sanitation services, marking a key step towards a cleaner, healthier future for Liberia.
The push for a National Solid Waste Management Policy has been in the works for over a decade. Its roots trace back to 2009 when the government adopted the Lift Liberia Poverty Reduction Strategy, which identified the need for a solid waste management framework.
However, political and budgetary hurdles delayed its finalization.
The current administration’s prioritization of sanitation issues within its development agenda led to the completion and validation of the policy on October 17, 2024.
Liberia’s waste management crisis has become increasingly dire in recent years. According to the World Bank, the country generates approximately 1.5 million kilograms of waste daily, with an alarming 84.4% of it being poorly managed
A study revealed that 64% of waste is illegally dumped, contributing to flooding, health risks, and greenhouse gas emissions.
These issues make Liberia one of the countries with the highest rates of improper waste management in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The EPA’s new policy calls for robust financing and improved operational frameworks to tackle these challenges.
It outlines clear responsibilities for communities, households, and the private sector, emphasizing that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility. The policy encourages citizens to actively participate in community sanitation efforts and ensure proper waste disposal.
The private sector is expected to play a pivotal role in the management of waste collection and sanitation facilities, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness. By bringing the private sector into the fold, the EPA hopes to improve the overall management of waste across the country.
As Liberia aims to reach middle-income status by 2030, the National Solid Waste Management Policy is seen as a crucial step toward creating a systematic approach to address waste challenges.
The policy promotes sustainable practices that are essential for public health, environmental sustainability, and the nation’s economic growth.
