In Malawi, waste management systems have not kept up with the growing population. Waste piles up in waterways and streets or is haphazardly burned, sewage goes untreated, and toxic materials leach into soils and water tables. People and animals then suffer negative health effects from contaminated drinking water, increased vermin and disease vectors, and air pollution. Unmanaged decomposing waste also releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, helping to drive climate change.