The quality of the urban council wastes can be illustrated by a study done in Uganda in
preparation for the composting project (NEMA 2007) that indicated pH (5.7 – 6.9); moisture
content (50–75%); Relative humidity(75-155%);volatile solids (66-79%); decompostable organic
carbon (DOC 74-86%). Study (NEMA 2007) done in Uganda indicate methane emission potential
from such urban wastes to vary between 0.9 and 4.12 Gg/yr. The high decomposable biowaste
contents and the optimal moisture content (for aerobic decomposition) of the solid waste make it
suitable for composting (Chakrabatrti et al., 2009; NEMA, 2007; Kumar 2006). Composting is
being practiced in more than 11 urban councils of Uganda under the Clean Development
Mechanism (CDM) pilot project promoted by the World Bank (NEMA 2007; Kumar 2006). In Dar
es Salaam composting was initiated by women CBO (KIWODET) operating in Kinondoni
(Oberlin & Sza´nto´ 2011). The KIWODET composting project was suspended because of land
use pressure and negative consumer attitude. Oberlin & Sza´nto´ (2011) argue that even though
successful composting can arise from local community capacity, lack of municipal integration
and support leaves such technically viable initiatives vulnerable to external factors. Aerobic
composting is apart from economic benefits that may accrue are environmentally important
because it eliminates GHG emission that would occur during waste decomposition at dumpsites
or landfill (NEMA, 2007; Kumar 2006). EAC countries should consider composting as an option
for the implementation of an integrated approach to solid waste management.