Sustainable solid waste management in Balangoda Urban Council, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) system of local authorities in Sri Lanka contributes to exchange some productive outputs with localities; however it is still not in a better successful mode due to limitations and environmental failures in their operation. This study by conducting a status quo analysis; a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOTs) analysis; and an effectiveness analysis, aimed at helping understanding the sustainability of MSWM taking Balangoda Urban Council as a case. The research was performed based on analyzing information obtained from field observations; reports; literature; questionnaire distribution among community; and a series of focus interviews with major stakeholders concerned. After accomplishing the effectiveness analysis with outcomes of other two analyses, it could be concluded that the current performance of MSWM procedure in Balangoda Urban Council is partially sustainable.