An analyses of the status of landfill classification systems in developing countries: Sub Saharan Africa landfill experiences

[Display omitted] •31 landfill sites in SSA were assessed and classified into either 0 1, 2 3- or 4.•>80% of documented cases of landfill sites were either 0 or 1 and are potential environmental hazards.•10% of the documented cases of landfill sites were assessed as level 3.•Evaluation of landfill sites classification based on library database.•Upgrading landfill sites from 0, 1–3 or 4 would require corrective intervention initiatives. Municipal solid waste (MSW) management remains a challenge in developing countries due to increasing waste generation, high costs associated with waste management and the structure of the containment systems implemented. This study analyses the classification of landfilling systems by using documented cases reported mainly in publications in waste management in relation to non-engineered landfilling systems/approved dumpsites in Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2000 to 2018. The work identifies an existing system for the classification of landfill sites and utilises this system to determine the situation of landfill sites in SSA countries. Each article was categorised according to the main landfilling management practice reported: Uncontrolled dumping, semi controlled facility, medium controlled facility, medium/high-engineered facility or high state-of the-art facility. Findings suggested that 80% of the documented cases of landfill sites assessed in SSA countries were classified as level 0 or 1. The structure of the containment and controlled regime were identified by the focus group discussion participants as important predictors of possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the landfill sites considered. The study represents the first identifiable and comprehensive academic evaluation of landfill site classification based on site operations reported in the available peer reviewed literature. The information provides insight on the status of landfill sites in SSA countries with respect to the landfilling management practice and a baseline for alternative corrective measures.