The Effectiveness of Solid Waste Management Systems: The Case of Kitwe

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the solid waste management systems in Zambia with COPWASTE as a case study by assessing the company’s waste management practices and alignment to the crucial solid waste management principles. The study was premised on the mixed methods approach and the sample was drawn from Ndeke Presidential Area in Kitwe. Questionnaires were used in Ndeke and Key informant interviews were used for KCC and COPWASTE. Analysis of results was done using the thematic method. The study found that COPWASTE has challenges in collecting waste on the scheduled days and at the agreed frequency due to high rates of equipment break downs. The research concluded that though a SWMS is in place, it is outdated as it is not in alignment with best and key SWM principles. It was also concluded that the system was not effective as it was not responsive to the current waste management challenges and opposed key principles such as the preferred waste management options in the waste management hierarchy. The report ended with a recommendation for future studies on how to encourage the principles of prevention and minimization so that less waste ends up being disposed of.