Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Solid Waste Management in Chililabombwe District, Zambia

Abstract

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a serious challenge facing major environmental challenges associated with waste generation and inadequate waste collection, transport, treatment, and disposal. The paper wishes to highlight on the current waste management practices by the district, also highlighting on challenges and opportunities in order to remedy the current problems and how best to address future opportunities for a better sustainable solid waste management in the district. The district has no capacity to overcome the amplification of the increased generated waste with the increased population, and this has impacted on the environment and public health. The current district aims to move away from the reliance of the open dumpsite that does not offer any environmental protection to a solid waste system that is of more useful that will retain useful resources within the economic zone through recycling. Waste sorting and segregation at the source that provides separation of the recyclable materials is actually key to waste management. Most of the extracted materials from the disposal residuals require proper landfill management with waste sorting facilities. Obviously, challenges and barriers are significant so are the opportunities in the district. Shortage of qualified manpower, lack of technologies, and proper solid waste equipment to deliver improved waste management systems remain the authority concern. Landfill plays a significant role in energy generation if well managed, thus poses a greater opportunity for local empowerment and job creation for the youths that need further study.