Community Participation in Decentralized Solid Waste Management: Case Studies and Best Practices

  • Unique Paper ID: 166601
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 2
  • PageNo: 1107-1111
  • Abstract:
  • Rapid urbanization and population growth in the 21st century have resulted in an unprecedented increase in solid waste generation worldwide. Traditional centralized waste management systems predominantly focused on large-scale collection and disposal are becoming increasingly strained under the volume of waste they must process. These systems often suffer from high operational costs, environmental concerns due to extensive transportation and landfilling, and the challenge of scalability in densely populated urban areas. Moreover, a significant challenge faced by centralized systems is the lack of community involvement, which often results in low compliance rates for waste segregation at the source, illegal dumping, and a general lack of understanding about the importance of waste management. Such challenges exacerbate the problem, making waste management unsustainable in the long term. There is a growing recognition that community participation is crucial for the effectiveness and sustainability of waste management initiatives. Without the buy-in and active participation of the local community, even the best-laid plans might not achieve their desired impact. Furthermore, the "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY) sentiment often associated with centralized waste management facilities can lead to resistance from communities, further emphasizing the need for localized, community-driven solutions. In this context, Decentralized Solid Waste Management (DSWM) emerges as a promising approach. DSWM, characterized by localized waste management solutions managed at the community level, offers the potential for more sustainable and adaptable strategies tailored to specific community needs. However, the success of DSWM is deeply intertwined with active community participation. Without a clear understanding of how to effectively engage communities in DSWM, the potential benefits of this approach might remain unrealized. The problem, therefore, lies in bridging the gap between DSWM as a conceptual model and its practical implementation with robust community engagement. Identifying barriers to community participation, understanding the dynamics of community-driven waste management, and deriving actionable insights for policymakers and implementers become paramount for the successful adoption and scaling of DSWM solutions.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 2
  • PageNo: 1107-1111

Community Participation in Decentralized Solid Waste Management: Case Studies and Best Practices

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