Design an effective solid waste management system for a Local Authority in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The problem of solid waste management is emerging as a major problem for policy makers in developing countries as the quantity of solid waste generated has increased significantly and its characteristics have changed as a result of the change in the peoples’ lifestyles due to swift industrialization and urbanization. In countries such as Sri Lanka the problems associated with solid waste lie to a great extent with the present haphazard disposal practices more than with the rate of generation.

The aim of this study is to present and discuss the findings of a pilot scale SWM project undertaken in a small local authority adjacent to the capital of Sri Lanka (Colombo) to eliminate the unsustainable waste disposal methods practiced within the area. The study focuses on finding solutions to critical problems that are relevant to similar local authorities in developing countries by introducing a municipal waste management program that prioritizes waste management at the source rather than end-of-life disposal.

The study area is based on a Pradesiya Sabha namely “Kaduwela” with population of 55711 with

average daily waste generation is approximately 35 metric tons, which is gathered in a dumping area. In order to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data, a questionnaire survey and field observations were made. The questionnaire was carried out for a random sample of community of 150 families consisting 750 residents from Battaramulla area. The survey focused on present MSW disposal practices of the residential community, their habitat and attitude on solid waste and the level of involvement of home composting and recycling.

Accordingly only 38% practice recycling by giving to the scavengers, mainly metal and glass, while 42% used the government waste collection system. These results indicate that the public are not concerned with recycling at the source instead opting for the costly government collection and transporting system. Furthermore, 19% of the community practices back yard burning. The survey also revealed that 40% of the community is giving their kitchen waste to the government collection service while 50% practice composting. Out of that, 97% like home composting using compost bins. However, they have rejected bulky bins in preference to a low cost compost bin. The study revealed that only engineering solutions for disposal method are not sufficient to approach proper solid waste management. Therefore based on the facilities available in the Local Authority a suitable collecting program was proposed for better management of solid waste in the area.