Adaption of different composting techniques by Local Government Authorities (LGA)

Abstract

Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Sri Lanka face immense problems in attempting to mange municipal solid wastes. Disposal of solid waste has become a major environmental problem. Open dumping of solid waste has been the most common disposal practice in Sri Lanka. Unless properly managed, solid wastes have potential of serious impacts on environment. It can lead to surface and ground water contamination, land pollution and air quality deterioration.

The analysis of data on waste streams in Sri Lanka discloses that there is more than 70% organic components in the solid waste generated in Sri Lanka. Thus there is a massive possibility in composting the waste and getting better solution to the waste problem in Sri Lanka. Therefore considerable attention is being now paid by LGAs on centralized site composting, home composting programs and additionally bio gas systems to reduce the amount of solid waste dumped into disposal site.

The aim of the present study was to identify the organic waste handling procedure by LGAs in five provinces in Sri Lanka. In order to collect the data field observations were made in twenty five (25) LGAs which are previously identified through telephone interviews with officials of LGA (chairman, secretary, people health inspector (PHI), Environmental officer (EO).

Findings of the study reveal that home composting is being introduced by LGAs on house hold level composting programs to reduce the amount of bio degradable solid waste from households. Centralized site composting and Bio gas digester system had been introduced to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste which is daily collected by the LGA Most of LGAs which have composting sites are practicing open windrow (turn windrow) method to handle the biodegradable waste but Mawanella Pradeshiaya Shaba is using a special method, an Inclined Step Grate (ISG) system and Thamankaduwa Pradeshiya  Shaba is practicing Bio gas digester and site composting method. Matale municipal council is practicing invessel method; Box method.

The findings show that adaptation of different composting techniques are more cost effective compared to open disposal practices and also address the current waste disposal problems socially, economically and in an environmentlly sound manner.