ASSESSING URBAN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: A CASE STUDY OF WOLKITE TOWN, CENTERAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Urban solid waste management has become a pressing challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas of Ethiopia, including Wolkite Town. This study aimed to assess the efficiency, practices, and limitations of the existing municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system in Wolkite. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative data from 94 randomly selected households with qualitative inputs from municipal workers and field observations. The findings indicate that the most common sources of solid waste are roadsides and residential areas, with plastic waste dominating overall waste composition. While 92% of respondents acknowledged the existence of waste management methods, a significant portion of waste continues to be improperly handled, including burning and informal dumping. The study identified key constraints such as low public awareness, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional coordination, and limited community participation. Despite partial improvements in waste handling and awareness, the current system remains insufficient to meet the town’s needs. The study concludes that sustainable urban waste management in Wolkite requires integrated strategies: increasing public awareness, enforcing local regulations, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting community involvement. These recommendations aim to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment, offering practical implications for policymakers, local authorities, and future researchers