ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and consumerism have driven an unprecedented rise in waste across low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), creating a severe management crisis. Municipal solid waste volumes are 200%–400% above infrastructure capacity, and LMICs are projected to generate over half of global solid waste by 2050. Despite rising volumes, rules and institutions remain inadequate, resulting in widespread open dumping and burning over 90% of disposal in low‐income countries. These practices produce toxic leachates, air pollutants, and disease vectors, disproportionately harming vulnerable communities near unmanaged sites. This systematic review and meta‐analysis (2000–2023) synthesizes 78 studies, including 45 in meta‐analysis, to assess links between waste policies, practices, and public health in LMICs. Findings show strong associations between unsanitary practices and higher disease burdens, including diarrheal diseases (pooled OR 3.1; 95% CI: 2.4–4.0; I 2 = 72%), acute respiratory infections (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 2.2–3.6; I
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