Solid Waste Management Issues within Vavuniya Urban Council Limits

Abstract

Rapid increase in population and change in lifestyle have resulted in a dramatic increase in solid waste generation, and its management becomes a challenge for the Local Authorities (LAs) in Sri Lanka, including Vavuniya Urban Council (VUC). A study was conducted to identify issues associated with Soil Waste Management (SWM) and to improve the existing system. Direct observations and focus group discussions with relevant professionals were used to collect the primary information at the VUC level, whereas secondary data were gathered from existing databases and available literature. The main issues associated with current SWM systems are inadequate awareness among stakeholders, insufficient infrastructure development, inadequate resources, and incorrect budgetary allocations. It has resulted in not separating biodegradable wastes consisting of 62 – 66% in urban solid waste. Unfortunately, the mixed and commingled wastes are directly disposed of in the Pampaimadu dumpsite causing pollution due to leachate generations and odour nuisance. The problem has become further aggravated because of abandoning the market waste composting programme, owing to inadequate labour force and budgetary allocations. Financial constraints of VUC have halted the purchase of collection vehicles to enable higher frequency of collecting the increased generation of wastes. It has encouraged backyard burning and improper disposal on streets even though these are not permitted based on the existing rules and regulations. It is imperative to introduce ‘polluter pay’ fee for introducing source separation programme at all waste generating locations to promote composting and divert the degradable waste from disposal. It will reduce transportation and disposal costs while providing adequate funds to purchase and maintain collection vehicles. Public-private partnership is beneficial to increase recycling and reduce the financial burden on VUC. A time-bound comprehensive SWM plan is essential to access current and future waste management needs by setting priorities and allocating resources accordingly.