DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN LIBYA

Solid wastes represent a major environmental and public health problem in most developing countries of the world. This study critically evaluates the current solid waste management system in Africa; the effects on public health, the environment and the possible ways of developing a more effective solid waste management system. Data were collected from desktop studies of published literatures and records of municipal solid waste management. Data collected were analyzed using a qualitative approach. The study revealed the possible causes of poor solid waste management in developing country to include; poor funding, increasing population, lack of adequate waste management facilities, lack of skilled personnel, poor environmental awareness, ineffective by laws/policies, politics. The study also divulge some potential effects of poor solid waste management to include; diseases, flooding and global warming amongst others. Some of the possible ways of developing effective solid waste management include proper integration of all stakeholders, adequate funding, establishing and enforcing relevant waste management legislations/ by-laws, the use of local collection methods and proper town planning for remote or inaccessible areas, and provision of modern waste management facilities.