Abstract:
Solid waste management issues in developing countries are widely discussed. Based on a study conducted in the Southern
Province of Sri Lanka, this paper discusses existing practices and widespread difficulties in solid waste management in Sri
Lanka. The study collected qualitative and quantitative data through direct interviews and online surveys. Qualitative data
was collected from relevant officials, informal waste collectors, and households. Quantitative data was collected through
online surveys, emphasising household waste disposal procedures. The study’s findings revealed that a lack of awareness and
inadequate regulations resulted in low rates of waste segregation at the source. Low solid waste collection rates are primarily
due to the shortage of collection vehicles and crew. The solid waste collection rate in the Southern province is estimated
to be 23% of the total daily generation. Although open dumping is the most popular ultimate disposal technique, several
municipalities offer composting yards that transform biodegradable waste into compost. Some municipalities sell other
waste components for recycling. Informal waste collectors play an important role in waste recycling since they exclusively
collect waste that has commercial value. They collect coconut shells, specified types of glass, plastics, metals, and paper
through their door-to-door collection service. Many of the community is left to manage their solid waste, which they dispose
of by open burning or in an onsite pit. Since increasing government investment in solid waste management is not feasible,
the study proposes public-private partnerships to convert waste to energy or use small-scale domestic pyrolysis plants to
convert waste into biofuel. Furthermore, raising knowledge about waste segregation and encouraging the use of residential
composting bins may help to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste handed over to waste collection services.
