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Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is one of the most challenging issues faced by most developing countries particularly in urban areas. Inadequate municipal solid waste management is certainly one of the major contributing factors to the degrading of environment quality. An effective and efficient waste management strategy is required, especially in view of rapid development and urbanization in the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) as metropolitan urban setting of the Gambia. The growth of urban setting has increased the generation of waste and its composition. Ideally, MSW generation depends on the size of township and level of economic standard and activities. This was proven by the MSW generated in (KMC). Previous studies indicated that principal components of generated wastes were paper/cartons (83%), plastics (80%), organic matter (40%), metals (30%) and glass (27%). In addition, most of the waste generated by the commercial establishment can be recovered, recycled and more importantly, the generation of hazardous waste by the sector seems very negligible. This paper assesses issues related to solid waste generation and composition vis-à-vis management system in the (KMC) of The Gambia based on gathered reports. The generation of MSW and composition is affected by several factors, particularly the changes in the lifestyle and population increase. MSW management in most developing countries often deals with the rapid increase of MSW generated and unsystematic landfill management system. Therefore, a holistic approach to enhance the sustainable MSW composition management would require; public awareness, funding, infrastructure development, expertise and strict enforcement of provision of waste related legislations by the government, NGO's and other stakeholders as well as continuous monitoring for long term sustainability. In addressing the challenges will invariably boost both effectiveness and efficiency of the waste management system which towards achieving the prime objective of a clean, healthy and beautiful environment for all to cherish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management is certainly one of the main challenges and as well attributed to the degrading urban environment quality in the Gambia and in most developing countries. This paper assesses the solid waste management system in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) of The Gambia based on gathered reports. The GBA has per capita waste generation rate of 0.54 kg over a decade ago. Over the years, the responsibility of solid waste management and disposal particularly in the urban settings has been vested in the Local Government Authorities within their respective jurisdiction although a few private waste collectors exist. Significant challenges were discovered in addressing solid waste management which need to be addressed in the future and these include; inefficient environmental awareness on the 3Rs of waste management(reduction, reuse and recycling techniques), inadequate monitoring, low enforcement of waste related laws and regulations, ill-trained officers dealing with waste management, poor infrastructure and inefficient coordination among stakeholders. In addressing the above challenges will invariably boost both effectiveness and efficiency of the waste management system is pivotal as an emerging tourist destination country and is geared towards achieving the prime objective of a clean, healthy and beautiful environment for all to cherish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]