By Forum staff writer
Sierra Leone is grappling with a growing plastic waste crisis, generating an estimated 130,000 tons annually, with more than half ending up in the environment and threatening marine ecosystems.
The figures were disclosed by Mohamed Jaward Nyallay during the government’s weekly press conference hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education.
Nyallay said the scale of plastic pollution poses serious environmental and economic risks, particularly to coastal communities and marine life. He warned that without urgent intervention, the country’s natural resources and livelihoods tied to the ocean could face long term damage.
According to him, the tourism sector remains one of the largest contributors to plastic waste, consuming about 42 million single use plastics each year. However, only about 6 percent of this waste is recycled, leaving the vast majority to accumulate in landfills, waterways and beaches.
He noted that the government’s Go Circular campaign has played a key role in raising public awareness about waste management and the importance of recycling. The initiative is part of broader efforts to encourage responsible consumption and reduce environmental degradation.
At the same briefing held on April 28, 2026, the Managing Director of Premier Enviro Solutions Ltd, Walid Bahsoon, outlined practical solutions aimed at turning plastic waste into economic value.
Speaking during discussions on Go Circular Week 2026, Bahsoon explained that his company is actively converting discarded plastics into construction materials such as pavement tiles and building blocks. He said this approach not only reduces pollution but also opens up new business opportunities.
“We transform plastic waste into useful products like building blocks, turning what was once pollution into something valuable for society,” he said.
Bahsoon emphasized that assigning financial value to plastic waste could significantly change public behavior. He noted that when people see waste as a resource, they are more likely to collect and sell it rather than dispose of it indiscriminately.
“When plastic is given value, it stops being waste and becomes a resource that supports livelihoods and protects the environment,” he added.
He further called on the government to strengthen support for recycling enterprises through clear policies and incentives. According to him, creating a favorable business environment would help scale up recycling efforts and attract investment into the sector.
Bahsoon also proposed that public infrastructure projects should incorporate recycled materials as part of procurement requirements. He said this would create steady demand for recycled products and encourage more companies to invest in waste processing technologies.
Environmental experts say such initiatives are critical as Sierra Leone seeks to balance development with sustainability. With urban populations growing and consumption patterns changing, plastic waste management is becoming an urgent national priority.
Stakeholders at the press conference agreed that collaboration between government, private sector and the public will be essential in addressing the challenge. They stressed that building a circular economy where waste is reused and repurposed could help reduce pollution while creating jobs.
As the Go Circular campaign gains momentum, attention is now focused on how policies, innovation and public participation can come together to turn Sierra Leone’s plastic waste problem into an opportunity for sustainable growth.
