Assessment of solid waste management practices in Tanzania’s cities

Abstract

This study explores the causes of ineffective solid waste management services in Tanzania’s cities. It is inspired by the fact that less than 35% of the generated waste in the country is collected. The study focuses on cities as they are accounting for 15.5% of the total generated waste in the country despite making up only 3.2% (6) of the total local government authorities (LGAs) (137). The study variables include data availability, waste minimization initiatives, financial reliability, service reliability, technological flexibility, convenient waste collection systems, responsive market, supportive legal framework, and stakeholder inclusivity. Literature review, direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires form part of data collection techniques. Questionnaires were distributed to 184 (100%) LGAs with over 95% responses. Zonal consultative meetings were conducted in six (6) zones representing 26 regions of Tanzania’s Mainland and attended by 26(100%) Regional Environmental Experts; and 56 (30%) District Environmental Management Officers (DEMOs). The findings show inadequacy in waste minimization initiatives, financing, stakeholders’ inclusiveness, data availability, waste management options, technological flexibility, and service reliability. The findings also show the presence of a supportive legal framework and a responsive market for the provision of waste management services. To this end the study recommends; Improvement of waste management infrastructure; promotion of waste minimization initiatives, enhancement of waste management financing, and formalization of informal waste collection service providers.