What is the conclusion of solid waste management?

Human ways of life have placed pressure on the environment and have caused imbalance in the eco systems by the producing, consuming and wasting of natural resources. Most countries evidently have major effects on the environment due to SW generation with economic development since the natural resources are used, and waste and pollution are produced. Therefore, the concern towards the management of solid waste as an integral part for sustainable development has increased.

This study explored the importance of SWM for sustainable development with the concern of new development process in HMC in Sri Lanka. There were four research objectives to be achieved with the study. The first objective was to study the characteristics of solid waste management practices in Hambantota Municipal council. The researcher investigated the environmental impacts of solid waste management practices in Hambantota Municipal council and assessed how waste management practices can contribute to sustain the development processes in Hambantota District. Establishing an understanding of the perception amongst local communities regarding solid waste management for sound environmental development was also a concern.

In summary, the research findings revealed that there are significant issues with unauthorized waste disposal practices due to the lack of proper waste management process. This has significantly impacted on the natural environment and on Sound Environmental Development (SED) in the study area. The lack of Public waste bins and proper waste collection processes have significantly affected the unauthorized waste disposal practices. Moreover, the absence of sanitary land filling and inadequate processes by HISWMC are significant issues with SWM. The absence of practical usage of regulation and laws is identified as a barrier to residents engaging in proper waste management processes with recycling and waste separation because the council could not enforce these practices. The lacks of knowledge, awareness and cooperation have been identified.

It is clear that improper waste management practices have a significant impact on the natural environment and sustainable development in the study area. Thus, awareness about SWM impact on sound environmental development or/and sustainable development in seemingly low. Therefore, it is important that the SWM should be developed from the primary level. Waste storage and primary disposal are the dominant means of managing waste. Thus, it has caused significant challenges in the study area. Therefore, waste separation from the household level, proper storage, more efficient waste collection systems, and sustainable recovery and disposal practices are identified as needed processes in the study area. Considering the nature and components of waste generated by households and business places, the waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting processes would be more suitable in managing the challenge. These management options should be integrated in a sustainable framework. Adequate consideration should be given to monitoring processes. Public education and properly planned waste management programs also need to be introduced into the current waste management system. Especially awareness programmes must be conducted in order to improve the knowledge about the importance of SWM for sound environmental development in the area.  The authorities should provide for the introduction of complimentary programs and policy development.

The researcher identified SWM as the backbone of sound environmental development. Therefore, this research study contributes to knowledge by determining the importance of SWM for sustainable development in the newly developing HMC areas. The strength of this research study is the case study’s setting which is the newly developed area, HMC, Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Further, this research study incorporates the views of the HMC community to explore their level of understanding of environmental and sustainable development. This is strength because community views have been largely examined with the research. Nevertheless, there is a need for further scientific studies about the SWM process and its impact on the environment and sustainable development.