Performance evaluation of solid waste management.

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and population growth in Mbale City have exacerbated solid waste management (SWM) challenges, resulting in environmental pollution, public health risks, and inefficiencies in waste collection and disposal. This study evaluates the current state of SWM in Mbale City, identifies existing gaps, and proposes a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based framework to optimize waste collection and disposal. The study analysed waste generation patterns across residential, commercial, and industrial areas using field surveys, interviews, GIS mapping, and remote sensing. Results indicate that over 75% of the total waste generated is organic, followed by plastics (12%), paper (5%), and other materials (8%). Despite a daily waste generation of approximately 250 tons, only 55% is collected, leaving 45% uncollected, which contributes to illegal dumping and environmental hazards. Furthermore, only 20% of the collected waste is properly disposed of in designated landfills, while 80% is mismanaged due to inadequate infrastructure and collection inefficiencies. A GIS-based framework was developed to enhance waste management efficiency by identifying waste generation hotspots, optimizing collection routes, and improving resource allocation. Route optimization analysis demonstrated that implementing GIS-based collection strategies reduced travel distances by 15%, leading to lower operational costs and a 30% improvement in waste collection efficiency. The study also found that waste collection frequency varies significantly, with high-density areas experiencing delays of up to 7 days, worsening sanitation conditions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved waste management strategies, including increased waste collection coverage, expansion of recycling initiatives, and stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations. By integrating GIS technology, this study provides a data-driven approach to enhancing waste collection efficiency and promoting sustainable urban waste management in Mbale City.