Assessment of sustainability of composting plants in Uganda : a case study of Kabale Municipality

Abstract

The study investigated the sustainability of the compositing plant in Uganda. The study used a case of Kabale Municipality, Uganda and was guided two objectives which included; examining the performance of municipal solid waste composting plant in Kabale Municipality, and assessing the sustainability of the composting plant economically, socially and environmentally and determining the strategies to enhance sustainability of the composting plant. Management of municipal solid waste has always been a challenge in Uganda and one of the areas that require attention. Government of Uganda has made efforts both at national and local government levels aimed at improving the way Municipal solid waste is managed by introducing the municipal solid waste composting plant in major municipalities and cities. Despite these interventions, challenges still persist in the management of municipal solid waste with over 45% of the compositing plants in Uganda performing below their installed capacity. The study used a case study design and used quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 350 respondents participated in the study including farmers, community leaders, and mangers of the plant, NEMA, Municipal leaders, women and youth domiciled in the Municipality. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources using key informant interviews, semi structured interviews and documentary reviews. The data was analysed using qualitative and qualitative methods. SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data. Kabale MSW composting plant currently handles 40 tons per day out of the installed capacity 70 tons per day, which is 57.1%. The study discovered various challenges including poor financing, inadequate collection and transportation facilities, insufficient enforcement of existing waste management laws, low composting and recycling practices and limited public awareness. The composting plant falls short of social, financial and environmental sustainability indicators. Kabale MSW composting plant generally falls short of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The plant is under performing due to poor financing, inadequate collection and transportation facilities, insufficient enforcement of existing waste management laws, low composting and recycling practices and limited public awareness. The study recommends increased investment, public awareness and involvement of key stakeholders in the community.