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.
