An Assessment on Performances of Public and Private Waste Management Systems in Sri Lankan Cities

Abstract

Sri Lanka, being a developing country, currently undergoes high influx of population, rapid infrastructure developments and increasing urbanization. These have paved the way for the increase of solid waste generation rates in the country. However, the majority of the Sri Lankan cities have failed to manage their waste sustainably due to lack of proper management system. Assessment of the existing solid waste management system would be an important step towards developing a sustainable SWMS in the future for these cities. In this context, this study aims to investigate the performances of public and private sector waste management systems, to learn from each sector by identifying the positive and negative aspects of their performances and to identify the ways that can uplift the entire solid waste management system sustainably. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods in the Negombo municipal council area whereas Multi-criteria analysis was incorporated as the main analysis technique. Findings revealed that, Private sector has better performance in economic and social measures than the Public sector whereas the Public sector has better performance in environmental measures. Accordingly, findings suggest that public private partnerships, performance measuring, regulating and benefit and risk sharing mechanisms should be incorporated towards the long-term sustainability of future SWMS.