AYV News, June 18, 2026
The Freetown City Council (FCC) has announced the full enforcement of its waste management by-laws as part of efforts to address sanitation challenges and improve environmental cleanliness across the capital.
Deputy Mayor of Freetown, Kweku Melvin Lisk, disclosed that the Council has developed a comprehensive legal framework covering both solid and liquid waste management to ensure a more effective and sustainable approach to sanitation.
According to him, the by-laws will now be strictly enforced throughout the city, with all residents expected to comply with the new regulations.
He stated that every household in Freetown is required to register with an approved waste collection service provider. Failure to do so, he warned, could attract a penalty of NLe5,000.
The Deputy Mayor noted that the move forms part of the Council’s broader strategy to improve waste collection, reduce indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and create a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.
Meanwhile, FCC’s Environment and Sanitation Officer, Marian Tucker, revealed that the Council has launched an extensive public awareness campaign to educate residents about the new waste management system.
She said the sensitization programme includes the distribution of flyers, community outreach activities, and town hall meetings aimed at informing the public about their responsibilities under the new regulations.
Madam Tucker further explained that Freetown has been divided into eight operational waste management blocks, stretching from Orugu to Levuma, with each block assigned to a designated waste collection service provider responsible for serving residents within that area.
On the issue of service charges, she disclosed that waste collection fees have been structured to remain affordable for households. According to her, residents will pay NLe15 for the collection of a 50-kilogram container and NLe25 for a 100-kilogram container.
She emphasized that the pricing structure was intentionally designed to encourage widespread participation and compliance while improving sanitation standards across the city.
FCC officials expressed confidence that the enforcement of the by-laws, coupled with ongoing public sensitization efforts, will significantly enhance waste management practices and contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more organised Freetown.
