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Using published data, this study examined differences in pollutant levels in the leachate between landfills and dumpsites in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It is the first to focus on the impacts of climate and the age of the site on the pollutants in these continents, from a holistic perspective. Differences between geographical regions were limited. While it was found that there were statistically significant differences in organic, inorganic loads and heavy metals between landfills and dumpsites, with higher concentration of pollutants in dumpsites. Links between selected metals were found, in particular for Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb and Mn. Contrary to the findings of others, climate and the age of the site generally did not have statistically significant impacts on pollutant levels. This suggests that the concentration of pollutants from sites in the three continents may be more influenced by local conditions, consumption patterns and the waste management habits of individuals. Implications for governance are discussed., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)