Critical analysis of existing solid waste management practices towards a sustainable solution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study critically examines the existing solid waste management in the city of Addis Ababa using data obtained from sampled households. The findings show that Addis Ababa city generates an average of 0.37 kg of household solid waste per capita per day. The generation of plastics bags and bottles is high (36%), followed by food wastes (28%) and paper and cardboard (21%), bottle (6%) and tins/can (9%). The primary household solid waste collection system is in serious crisis. The waste management system in the city is insufficient with regard to waste collection rate, area coverage and waste skip capacity and availability and disposal techniques. This study identified that uncontrolled waste generated from households solid waste is disposed in rivers and streets is created fly-tipping. Public skips are few in number making residents travel long distances to access them, and in some place even nonexistent, forcing them to illegal disposal means and locations. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.