Waste mismanagement in developing countries is a significant global issue, with open dumping and burning being common practices that lead to severe environmental and health impacts. This review highlights the main environmental and social consequences of improper waste management, focusing on the effects of open dumping, burning, and the informal recycling sector. The paper discusses the environmental contamination from various waste types, including municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste (HW), electronic waste (WEEE), used batteries, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It also addresses the health risks associated with waste scavenging and the challenges of managing these waste streams in developing countries. Open dumping leads to water, soil, and air pollution, with heavy metals and other contaminants leaching into the environment. Marine litter, primarily composed of plastic waste, is a growing global problem, with microplastics posing significant risks to marine life and human health. Open burning of waste releases toxic emissions, including dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which contribute to air pollution and health risks. The informal recycling sector, while providing employment, exposes workers to hazardous conditions and health risks. The review emphasizes the need for integrated waste management systems that include proper collection, treatment, and disposal practices. It highlights the importance of policy interventions, public awareness, and technological innovations to reduce environmental pollution and improve public health. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in managing WEEE and used batteries, including the lack of infrastructure, legislation, and public awareness. Effective waste management strategies, such as recycling and proper disposal, are essential for sustainable development and reducing the environmental and health impacts of waste mismanagement.Waste mismanagement in developing countries is a significant global issue, with open dumping and burning being common practices that lead to severe environmental and health impacts. This review highlights the main environmental and social consequences of improper waste management, focusing on the effects of open dumping, burning, and the informal recycling sector. The paper discusses the environmental contamination from various waste types, including municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste (HW), electronic waste (WEEE), used batteries, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It also addresses the health risks associated with waste scavenging and the challenges of managing these waste streams in developing countries. Open dumping leads to water, soil, and air pollution, with heavy metals and other contaminants leaching into the environment. Marine litter, primarily composed of plastic waste, is a growing global problem, with microplastics posing significant risks to marine life and human health. Open burning of waste releases toxic emissions, including dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which contribute to air pollution and health risks. The informal recycling sector, while providing employment, exposes workers to hazardous conditions and health risks. The review emphasizes the need for integrated waste management systems that include proper collection, treatment, and disposal practices. It highlights the importance of policy interventions, public awareness, and technological innovations to reduce environmental pollution and improve public health. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in managing WEEE and used batteries, including the lack of infrastructure, legislation, and public awareness. Effective waste management strategies, such as recycling and proper disposal, are essential for sustainable development and reducing the environmental and health impacts of waste mismanagement.