Solid Waste Management Issues in Small Towns of Developing World: A Case Study of Taxila City

Abstract

Solid waste management issues are increasing in developing world due to increase in population every year. Open dumping and irregular collections of solid waste are creating serious environmental threats in small towns of developing world. In Pakistan, poor solid waste management practices, lack of funds and irresponsible behavior of dwellers are reflecting the worst scenario in the country. To emphasize the major solid waste management issues in the small towns of developing world, Taxila city is selected as a case study. Taxila city is facing the worst solid waste management issues due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, insufficient funds and poor management. Open dumps of municipal solid waste are causing serious negative environmental impacts in the study area. Research findings are clearly indicating that due to rapid growth in population, increments in solid waste generation rate, poor management, non-implementation of solid waste legislation and lack of funding are responsible for the solid waste management crises in the Taxila city. Faulty solid waste management system is creating negative environmental impacts like land and water pollution, infectious diseases, blockage of open drain and small canals and loss of biodiversity in Taxila city.