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ARBAMINCH UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive Review Of Solid Waste Sources, Impacts, And Management

Practices In Ethiopia

BY DEGINESH DANIEL ID: NSR/2268/14

ADVISOR: YOHANNES D.(MSc)

JANUARY, 2025

ARBAMINCH
 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background

Almost all human activities generate waste materials that are often
discarded because they are considered useless. These wastes are
normally solid, and the word waste suggests that the material is
useless and unwanted (Tchobanoglous and Kreith, 2009).

Solid waste management is a pressing global concern, with the world

generating over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per
year (World Bank, 2018). The term municipal solid waste refers to
the waste generated by households, commercial establishments, and

institutions(Wang et al., 2015).

 Cont. . .

In Ethiopia, the country's rapid urbanization and industrialization have

led to a significant increase in waste generation, with an estimated
12,000 tons of solid waste generated per day (Ethiopian Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2019).
Inadequate waste management strategies, particularly in countries like
Ethiopia, often stem from insufficient resources, infrastructure, and
regulatory frameworks, resulting in waste being disposed of in open
dumps or landfills, which further aggravates environmental pollution
and public health issues (Tadele, 2016).
Understanding the contributors to solid waste generation is crucial in
developing effective waste management strategies(Wang et al., 2015).
 Cont. . .

1.2. Objectives
1.2.1. General Objective
Comprehensive Review of Solid Waste Sources, Impacts, and
Management Practices in Ethiopia
1.2.2. Specific Objectives
 To analyze the various sources of solid waste
 To review impacts of solid waste
 To assess existing waste management strategies/management
practices
 To assess the challenges of waste management practices
 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Understanding Waste and Solid Waste
Waste is defined as any material or substance that is discarded after it
has served its purpose or is no longer useful. It can come from various
sources, such as households, industries, agriculture, and institutions,
and can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous forms (World Bank, 2019).
Solid waste refers to any unwanted or discarded material that is no
longer in use and exists in a solid form. It encompasses materials
generated from residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional
activities. Solid waste can be categorized into organic (biodegradable)
and inorganic (non-biodegradable) types (UNEP, 2021).
 2.2. Sources of Solid Waste in Ethiopia

Industrial activities, such as manufacturing and construction,

generate waste in various forms, including scrap metals, chemicals,
and construction debris (World Bank, 2019).
Similarly, institutional sources like schools, hospitals, and
government offices contribute to waste production, ranging from
paper and office supplies to hazardous medical waste (Gebre &
Berisa, 2021).
 2.3.Types of Solid Waste
In Ethiopia, the types of solid waste generated can be broadly
categorized into three primary groups: household waste, which
includes organic matter and domestic refuse; industrial waste, such as
scrap metals and chemical by-products; and construction waste,
including debris, concrete, and other building materials (Asmamaw &
Desta, 2020).
 Cont. . .
2.3.1. Household Waste
Household waste is the most significant contributor to urban solid
waste in Ethiopia. This category encompasses a variety of materials,
including: Organic Waste: Comprising food scraps and yard waste,
organic materials constitute the bulk of household waste, often
accounting for approximately 65% to 70% of total municipal solid
waste (Sharma et al., 2021; Tadesse et al.,2021).
 Cont. . .

2.3.2. Industrial Waste

Industrial waste, generated from manufacturing processes, includes
various materials, often hazardous, such as toxic substances, heavy
metals, and chemicals. Improper handling of such waste in Ethiopia has
been linked to environmental and health issues, including soil and water
contamination (Zewdie et al., 2021; Daka et al., 2021).
2.3.3. Construction Waste
Construction waste includes debris generated from building activities,
such as concrete, bricks ,wood, and metals. Construction activities in
Ethiopia have surged due to rapid urbanization, leading to a significant
increase in construction waste(Hailu et al., 2021; Assefa et al., 2022).
 2.4. Impacts of Solid Waste
Improper waste disposal leads to significant environmental
degradation. Unmanaged waste can contaminate soil and water
sources, affecting local ecosystems and biodiversity(Fikadu et al.,
2020; Abebe et al., 2021).
The health impacts of poor waste management are profound.
Exposure to improperly managed waste can result in respiratory
issues, vector-borne diseases, and other health problems (Zewdie et
al., 2021; Tefera et al., 2022).
Improper solid waste disposal has significant economic
implications, diminishing property values and deterring tourism
(Abebe, 2022).
2.5. Existing Waste Management Strategies in Ethiopia
2.5.1. National Policies
The Ethiopian government has enacted various policies aimed at
improving waste management. The Solid Waste Management
Proclamation of 2019 emphasizes sustainable practices, including
waste reduction, segregation, and environmentally friendly
disposal methods (Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority,
2022).

2.5.2. Community Engagement Initiatives

Community involvement is crucial for successful waste
management. Local initiatives promote awareness and
participation in waste segregation and disposal practices (Hailu et
al., 2021).
 Cont. . .

2.5.3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Public-private partnerships have emerged as a strategic approach to
enhance waste management capabilities. Collaborations between
government agencies and private firms can improve waste collection,
recycling processes, and infrastructure development (Kebede, 2020).
 2.6. Challenges in Waste Management
2.6.1. Infrastructure Deficiencies
Inadequate waste management infrastructure remains a significant
barrier to effective solid waste management in Ethiopia. Many urban
areas lack sufficient waste collection services, disposal sites, and
recycling facilities (Tsegaye et al., 2020).
2.6.2. Financial Constraints
Financial constraints impede effective waste management in Ethiopia,
forcing local governments to rely on inefficient and harmful informal
practices due to insufficient funding (Molla et al., 2021).
 Cont. . .
2.6.3. Institutional Challenges
Weak institutional frameworks complicate waste management
efforts. Fragmented responsibilities among various government
agencies result in inefficiencies and lack of coordination in
implementing waste management policies (Gebrekidan, 2020).
2.6.4. Technological Limitations
Limited access to modern waste management technologies hinders
effective recycling and treatment programs. Many municipalities
lack the necessary tools and systems to manage waste streams
efficiently (Biruk and Alemayehu, 2022).
 2.7. Sustainable Waste Management Strategies
2.7.1. Policy Development
Developing comprehensive waste management policies tailored to
local contexts is essential for effective management. Policymakers
should focus on initiatives that promote resource recovery,
recycling, and sustainable practices (Ethiopian Environmental
Protection Authority, 2022).
2.7.2. Investment in Technology and Infrastructure
Establishing recycling centers, composting facilities, and efficient
Waste collection systems can significantly enhance waste
management practices (World Bank,2021).
 Cont. . .

2.8.4. Educational Campaigns

Targeted educational campaigns can effectively promote responsible

waste disposal and recycling behaviors. Engaging various stakeholders,
including schools and local organizations, is crucial for maximizing the
reach and impact of these initiatives (Alemayehu, 2023).

2.8.1. Community Engagement

Engaging communities in waste management planning and

implementation is vital for enhancing participation and fostering a sense
of responsibility among residents. Successful community initiatives can
lead to innovative, locally tailored solutions (Teshome, 2023).
 3.Conclusion
Solid waste management in Ethiopia is challenged by rapid
urbanization, changing consumer behaviors, and inadequate
infrastructure.
Government policies seek to tackle solid waste issues, but inconsistent
implementation due to resource constraints hampers progress.
Community engagement, public-private partnerships, and improved
institutional frameworks are vital for effective waste management
Targeted initiatives are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of
solid waste and promote a healthier environment and sustainable
development in Ethiopia
 4. Recommendation
 significant investments are needed in waste management
infrastructure.
 strengthening and enforcing the regulatory framework is critical for
addressing the challenges posed by solid waste.
 Implementing effective monitoring and enforcement, along with
penalties for non-compliance, is essential to ensure adherence to
waste management policies.
 fostering public-private partnerships can significantly improve
Ethiopia’s waste management capacity.