There are still two billion people living in countries without basic waste management services. When there is no such service, people resort to dumping or burning their waste close to where they live. These practices are harmful to public health, local economies, and the environment, especially in regions near waterways, which prove to be a convenient receptacle for urban waste. Plastic packaging waste, for example, not only blocks drains and pollutes the ocean, but when burned, is harmful to lungs, eyes, and skin, and is a major contributor to air pollution.

Waste Collection services in most African countries are inadequate. The average MSW collection rate is only 55%. disposal more than 90% of waste generated in Africa is disposed of at uncontrolled dumpsites and landfills, often with associated open burning.