The overconsumption of plastic packaging has alarming repercussions on the environment, notably through waste accumulation in public spaces and clogged drains. This study identifies factors driving plastic proliferation, analyzes their impacts, and proposes strategies for sustainable waste management. A cross-sectional design combined document review, field observations, and interviews with 156 households and 24 informants. Descriptive statistics characterized consumption patterns and service access. Impacts were assessed through litter hotspots, blocked drains, flood-prone points, and reported health risks. Households used five to six plastic bags daily, while collection coverage remained below 50%, sustaining persistent leakage. Findings reveal excessive reliance on plastics, shaped by technical, social, and institutional gaps, including weak segregation and limited pre-collection. Agoè-Nyivé 4, a fast-growing peri-urban commune within Greater Lomé, faces limited services but high consumption, making it a relevant case for rapidly growing municipalities. Yet the population often adopts counterproductive practices, hampering responsible waste management. A policy mix is outlined: expanding pre-collection and door-to-door services, integrating informal collectors, and targeted community sensitization. Without urgent interventions, plastic leakage will intensify environmental degradation, flooding, and health risks. The study recommends integrated policy measures to curb single-use dependence and foster a local circular economy.

The Kara University Hospital generates an average of 17133.1 m 3 of wastewater per year. These hospital effluents contain specific substances likely to disseminate pathogenic germs. The objective of the study is to assess the risks associated with the poor management of hospital effluents from the Kara University Hospital. The study involved the characterization of the effluents. The results obtained show that in addition to the temperature and the hydrogen potential (pH), the values of the other physico-chemical parameters in particular, suspended solids (SS) (58.07 mg/L) and nitrates (84.79 mg/L) exceed the discharge standards of World Health Organization (WHO). The values of the microbiological parameters sought, in particular total coliforms (1.106 CFU/100 mL), thermotolerant coliforms (4.105 CFU/100 mL), sulphite-reducing anaerobes (3.6103 CFU/100 mL) and faecal streptococci (5.103 CFU/100 mL) exceed the discharge standards accepted by the WHO. Exposed individuals were identified through an exposure level assessment matrix. The analysis shows that at the production stage, healthcare personnel are the most exposed with a critical rate of 64% (16/25); at the evacuation stage, the workers in charge of evacuation show a moderate exposure level of 48% (12/25). After disposal in nature, populations living near landfill areas are the most exposed with a rate of 48% (12/25). After disposal in nature, populations living near landfill areas are the most exposed with a rate of 48% (12/25). The wearing of personal protective equipment by staff and the establishment of a treatment plant will reduce the risks and ensure sustainable management of effluents from the Kara University Hospital.