Sustainable Approaches to the Municipal Solid Waste Management in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a serious environmental & socioeconomic issue in Sri Lanka and Haphazard disposal, population growth, migration and rapid urbanization will accelerates the issue further. Comprehensive and accurate measurement of waste generation and disposal continues to be an issue at national, provincial and local levels. The present composition of solid waste collection by the Municipal Councils 49.5% (1,696 Mt), Urban Councils 17.4% (594.5 Mt) and "Pradesiya Saba" Areas 33.1% (1,133 Mt). Conversely, through the several government and non- government projects were operating towards the National Solid Waste Management (NSWM). Further they were have been conducted the analyses for their internal use. However, there is no proper mechanism to coordinate this information and research, or to compile results with an intergraded approach. Appropriate estimations and evolutionary predictions will sustain new projects by minimizing difficulties. Previous data were shows approximately MSW is contain 50 - 65% readily bio-degradable waste or organic component and the balance is inorganic component. Low calorific values recoded in organic fraction of waste and it is possible to use as raw material of composting or bio-gas generation. And the receiving part of the waste should be running through the material recovery facility (MRF) and the residue has to incinerations and finally to landfilling. With the current situation there is a possibility of earning 20-22 US$ from a one metric ton of mixed MSW. There is no proper focus into the Cleaner Development Mechanism (CDM) to the current MSW management project as well as there is no focused in to Intergraded Solid Waste Management (ISWM) in the country. This paper suggested that the importance of ISWM by maintaining a sustainable composite mechanism through locally - available materials and expertise, with evidence based approach planning and strategy through eliminating the potential risks to provide a clean, healthy pleasant living environment and resource management culture for current and future generations of Sri Lanka.