The generation of solid waste has become an increasing environmental and public health problem, especially in developing
countries. These problems associated with the generation of solid waste are part of social changes where households
play an important role. Invariably, these social changes influence the size, structure and characteristics of given
households. This paper presents the findings of a study carried out in Freetown municipal area in Sierra Leone to assess
socioeconomic factors affecting household solid waste generation and composition in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Structured
questionnaires were administered with respect to these socioeconomic factors in four (4) selected constituencies of
the city. These are the most populated constituencies that generated 70% of the total quantity of solid waste in the city.
Therefore, they are suitable samples of the study area. The rate of waste generation was determined by using doorto-door
approach in five (5) selected households from each constituency through sorting and weighing of solid wastes
respectively. The dependent variables were solid waste generation and composition, and the independent variables were
family size, education, income levels among others. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to determine
relationships between independent variables and dependent variables through correlation. The results showed that the
solid waste generation and composition in Freetown was significantly affected by average family size, employment
status, monthly income, and number of room(s) occupied by households. In general, the paper adequately suggests new
insights concerning the role of socioeconomic factors in affecting the generation and composition of household solid
waste