Modernization of solid waste management practices in Dhaka through public and private sector participation

Abstract

Dhaka is a densely populated capital city. Increased number of population generates huge volume of solid waste in the city. Major portion of solid waste remains uncollected which degrades the environment. At present total solid waste generation in 90 wards is around 32,00 ton per day which will reach 4624 ton/day by the year 2015. Currently there are two types of waste collection systems in Dhaka. Primary waste collection system (from households to container) is carried out by Community Based Organization (CBO)s or NGOs and secondary waste collection system (container to disposal site) is conducted by Dhaka City Corporation (DCC). Waste spreads out along the street from overloaded uncovered rickshaw van during waste collection from households and taking it to the container. However, in spite of some limitations around 85% of households are pleased with service level of primary collection organized by CBOs/NGOs. Different unauthorized groups are engaged in primary waste collection system in the same ward with the support of Ward Commissioner that interrupts CBO's activities. DCC can not use its resources appropriately to manage solid waste in Dhaka City. Approximately 51.33% storage capacity of bin or container is unused because of its inappropriate design and careless dumping of waste into it. DCC can not use 56.87% of total transport , capacity because they make less number of trips by transport vehicles. At the same time they have shortage of the number of containers and vehicles. They don't have enough funds for solid waste management. That's why DCC can not properly maintain the secondary waste collection system. The majority of households are not satisfied with their service. A private company is involved in waste management in Gulshan residential area. This company manages waste collection and transportation with 25.87% less cost than that of DCC. CBOs/NGOs earn enough money from primary waste collection. Besides primary waste collection now they want to be engaged in secondary waste collection and street/drain cleaning. They have proposed a cost for waste management which is less than the present cost of that of DCC as well as have assured that they can spend for it. This study finds that some gaps remain in existing waste management system. The study makes a link among DCC, NGOs/CBOs and community people in order to remove the gaps. In conclusion, it states that CBO/NGO may be involved in secondary waste collection and street/drain cleaning besides primary collection.