Key Issues in Solid Waste

Management in Developing

Countries

By

Dr Mansoor Ali

E-mail; mansoor.ali@practicalaction.org.uk

Problem No 1

• Solid Waste is only managed in big cities

• Only in tourists towns

• Only in commercial areas

• Only in high income areas

• Only in influential/ „VIP‟ areas

Problem No 2

Solid Waste is only done in “projects”

Problem No 3

Expensive and in-appropriate

technologies are offered

Problem No 4

SWM is not a high political priority as

compared to water and energy

Problem No 5

Laws and institutions are weak

Problem No 6

Informal systems of waste recycling and official systems do not work with each other

Problem No 7

Waste disposal costs in high income and low income countries are different – leading to waste export

Problem No 8

It needs technical experts and social

experts work together – this is not easy