The studied cities are a mixture of cultures and so is the variety
of solid waste management systems. The outcome of this analytical
research provides a comprehensive analysis on stakeholders and
some key factors that affect those systems. The key findings are
outlined below:
1. Waste management involves a large number of different
stakeholders, with different fields of interest. They all play a
role in shaping the system of a city, but often it is seen only
as a responsibility of the local authorities. In the best of the
cases, the citizens are considered co-responsible together with
the municipality. Detailed understandings on who the stakeholders
are and the responsibilities they have in the structure
are important steps in order to establish an efficient and effective
system. Communication transfer between the different
stakeholders is of high importance in order to get a well functioning
waste management system in the cities in developing
countries.
2. Solid waste management is a multi-dimensional issue. Municipalities
in general seek for equipment as a path to find solutions
to the diversity of problems they face. This study shows that an
effective system is not only based in technological solutions but
also environmental, socio cultural, legal, institutional and economic
linkages that should be present to enable the overall system
to function.
3. Solid waste services have a cost as any other services provided
but in general the expenditures are not recovered. Resources
are required with the objective of having skilled personnel,
appropriate equipment, right infrastructure, proper maintenance
and operation. The financial support of the central government,
the interest of the municipal leaders in waste
management issues, the participation of the service users and
the proper administration of the funds are essential for a modernized
sustainable system.
4. Fundamental is to produce reliable data and to create proper
information channels within and between municipalities. Decision
makers, responsible for planning and policy making, need
to be well informed about the situation of the cities in order
to make positive changes, developing integrated waste management
strategies adapted to the needs of the citizens considering
their ability to pay for the services.
5. Universities, research centers and centers of excellence have a
very important role in preparing professionals and technicians
in environmental fields, including waste management. Some
developing countries have already seen the positive effects of
investing in education and research by having cleaner cities, citizens
assuming their responsibilities and higher status of solid
waste workers.
6. The questionnaire prepared to structure and collect information
enabled to develop a snap shot or baseline information on what
is happening in the city (Appendix A). It is relatively easy to use,
applicable for urban and rural settings and can be applied by
people with different education levels.
7. The information provided about the factors influencing solid
waste management systems is very useful for any individual
or organization interested in planning, changing or implementing
a waste management system in a city.