A brief presentation about some common issues in the management of solid waste in developing countries

1. Key Issues in Solid Waste
Management in Developing
Countries
By
Dr Mansoor Ali
E-mail; mansoor.ali@practicalaction.org.uk

2. 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

3. Problem No 2
Solid Waste is only done in “projects”

4. Problem No 3
Expensive and in-appropriate
technologies are offered

5. Problem No 4
SWM is not a high political priority as
compared to water and energy

6. Problem No 5
Laws and institutions are weak

7. Problem No 6
Informal systems of waste recycling
and official systems do not work with
each other

8. Problem No 7
Waste disposal costs in high income
and low income countries are different
– leading to waste export

9. Problem No 8
It needs technical experts and social
experts work together – this is not easy