The Waste Management Market in Liberia is undergoing a notable shift following the launch of a Solid Waste Management transformative pilot project at Jorkpen’s Town Market in Sinkor, Monrovia. The initiative was launched by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) over the weekend, marking a structured response to urban waste challenges in the country.
At the launch event, Pilot Lead Mrs. Vermon Sangah Lloyd described the initiative as more than a program. She explained that it represents a movement to reimagine waste as a resource, restore dignity to communities, and reignite local ownership in environmental management. The project is implemented under the MRC Climate Action umbrella through collaboration between the EPA and the Monrovia City Corporation, with support from the Liberia Marketing Association Community-Based Enterprise and community leadership in catchment areas. The Government of Canada, through Novasphere, is acknowledged for supporting the initiative.
In analytical terms, the waste generation figures in Monrovia underscore the urgency of reform. According to statements made during the launch, Monrovia generates approximately 800 tons of solid waste daily, yet only 45% of that volume is properly collected. The remaining waste accumulates in streets, waterways, and informal dump sites, negatively affecting public health, ecosystems, and livelihoods. These figures highlight a structural imbalance within the waste management market. High daily generation combined with limited collection capacity creates both environmental risk and economic opportunity. The pilot initiative directly addresses this imbalance by focusing on organic waste diversion and compost production.
An organic waste baseline study conducted across four major markets in Monrovia, including Old Road, Fiamah, Rally Town, and West Point, revealed that each market generates an average of 89.3 kilograms of organic waste daily. The composition is primarily leafy greens at 83.3%, followed by fruits at 10.8% and vegetables at 5.1%. This data provides a quantitative foundation for compost-based solutions and indicates a consistent organic feedstock stream suitable for processing. The project is rooted in four primary objectives. These include identifying feedstock resources, establishing four composting partnerships with Community-Based Enterprises, training and building the capacity of five national and local champions, and developing a robust business model for compost production with long-term operational visibility. The design demonstrates a shift from reactive waste disposal toward a circular, climate-smart waste management framework.
Since its introduction, the initiative has recorded measurable milestones. Five stakeholders, namely the EPA, the Monrovia City Corporation, the Liberia Marketing Association, Community-Based Enterprises, and local communities, have been identified to coordinate, manage, and monitor implementation. A knowledge exchange visit to Tanzania hosted by Nipe Fagio enabled stakeholders to learn practical composting methods adaptable to Monrovia’s context. Four Community-Based Enterprises have been trained and certified to collect and transport organic waste to the composting facility at Jorkpen’s Town Market. Additionally, community mapping and identification of collection points have been completed to ensure inclusive coverage of households and vendors. A Solid Waste Coordination Committee chaired by the EPA and co-chaired by the Monrovia City Corporation has been established to track progress and address challenges.
Key Solid Waste Generation and Organic Composition Data in Monrovia
| Metric | Value | Source |
| Daily waste generated in Monrovia | 800 tons | GNN Liberia (2024) |
| Waste properly collected | 45% | GNN Liberia (2024) |
| Organic waste per major market (average) | 89.3 kg daily | GNN Liberia (2024) |
| Organic composition: Leafy greens | 83.30% | GNN Liberia (2024) |
| Organic composition: Fruits | 10.80% | GNN Liberia (2024) |
| Organic composition: Vegetables | 5.10% | GNN Liberia (2024) |
The composting site launch represents more than infrastructure development. It demonstrates how structured coordination, baseline data, and community engagement can converge to produce tangible environmental outcomes. According to the project leadership, the pilot is expected to divert waste from landfills, reduce methane emissions, support cleaner markets, create green jobs, and produce compost to enrich urban and peri-urban farming.
From a market perspective, the waste management market in Liberia is transitioning toward value recovery rather than mere disposal. Organic waste, which previously contributed to landfill accumulation, is now positioned as an agricultural input capable of supporting food systems and local enterprise development. The governance framework involving regulatory authorities, municipal leadership, community enterprises, and international support illustrates a blended implementation model.
Next Steps: Actionable Takeaways
- Scale Composting Partnerships – Expand beyond pilot markets using the established CBE certification model.
- Increase Collection Efficiency – Improve collection rates beyond 45% through logistics optimization.
- Replicate Baseline Studies – Conduct organic waste studies in additional counties for expansion planning.
- Strengthen Market-Based Compost Sales – Formalize business channels for compost distribution to urban farmers.
- Institutionalize Monitoring – Enhance reporting through the Solid Waste Coordination Committee framework.
Liberia’s waste management market is entering a climate-smart phase. The success of this pilot will determine whether the country can transform waste into sustained environmental and economic resilience.
Conclusion
The launch of this pilot project signals a foundational shift in Liberia’s waste management trajectory. With 800 tons of daily waste generation and only 45% collection efficiency, the scale of the challenge remains substantial. However, the structured composting model, data-backed baseline studies, stakeholder coordination, and climate-smart objectives create a replicable pathway. If successfully scaled, the pilot has the potential to evolve into a national model that strengthens environmental resilience and economic participation through coordinated action.
About The Author
Borna Dhar is an aspiring content writer with a strong interest in digital transformation, emerging technologies, and industry-focused research. She is building hands-on experience in creating clear, research-driven content that strengthens digital visibility and supports the evolving needs of modern businesses. With exposure to diverse sectors such as technology and digital services, she brings a fresh analytical perspective and contributes to communicating meaningful insights, innovation, and value propositions for niche and targeted audiences.