Analysis of existing municipal solid waste management practices: A case study in Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha area

Abstract

A significant amount of solid waste has become a pressing issue with rising population, urbanization, economic activities and consumerism, especially in urban and sub-urban areas creating negative impacts on both environment and human health. Lack of infrastructure and financial resources, poor public participation in waste management process and less enthusiasm of government representatives have also been contributed to complicate the situation. Personal experience and literature revealed that existing SWM systems established in most local authorities are not properly functioned. Therefore, significant gaps are visible in solid waste management process in different local authorities. The present study was planned to explore municipal solid waste management system in Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha (KPS), as a key area in Gampaha district to identify best practices and gaps. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaire survey from three categories (officers in KPS, sanitary employees in KPS and general public in KPS area). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results revealed that waste reduction and capacity building were priority areas in KPS. Though the institutional capacity has been developed to certain extent in KPS, further attention is needed to overcome existing issues. Implementing new policies is further suggested to overcome some existing obstacles. However, the outcome of the study is a framework developed for best practices of solid waste management which can be used at local authorities for effective and efficient municipal solid waste management.