Solid Waste Management Approaches in Trincomalee Urban Council Area

Abstract

Solid Waste Management is one of the major challenges encountered by the urban areas of Sri Lanka. As a result of inappropriate disposal of solid waste in the open spaces; ecological, health, and socio-economic problems have arisen. No research has been undertaken regarding the solid waste management in Trincomalee Urban Council (UC) area of Sri Lanka. This research is carried out with the objectives of identifying the existing solid waste management system of Trincomalee UC area, assessing the problems and challenges in the solid waste management system, and proposing recommendations to manage solid wastes properly. Primary data were collected through direct field observation, a questionnaire survey with 200 respondents based on purposive sampling, and discussion. Secondary data were obtained from resource profiles, statistical handbooks, official websites, and published journals. Data was collected from 02.09.2019 to 02.12.2019 and analyzed through descriptive statistical method. “SPSS” software was used to analyze the questionnaires. Research revealed that the municipal solid waste generation in Trincomalee UC area has increased temporally due to population increase, expansion of commercial activities, growth of tourism and development activities. 73 tons of municipal solid waste has been generated daily, among them 54% produced from commercial centres and 38% from residential areas. 85% of the waste is degradable organic and 15% is inorganic. Unsorted solid wastes of Trincomalee UC area are disposed at Kanninya open space without any intermediate treatment activities. There is a shortage in appropriate technology, finance and cadres at Trincomalee UC to pursue the recycle activities and the participation of community is low. This situation is the root for the variety of ecological, health and socio-economic problems. Proposed recommendations were included in the conclusion. In this context, this study is the starting point for policy makers and researchers of solid waste management