Analysing stakeholder' perceptions on solid waste management technologies: A case study of Nepal

The pivotal phase in ensuring investment success and sustainability in solid waste management (SWM) lies in the judicious selection of technologies involving multiple stakeholders. Nepal, especially urban municipalities with rapid urbanization and limited technical and managerial knowledge, struggles with SWM complexities. To address these issues, this study explored, identified, analysed and ranked different criteria for technology selection for SWM using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) methodology. The AHP considered 3 main criteria, 12 sub-criteria and 5 alternative technologies based on the opinions of 66 public and private sector stakeholders and experts. The survey results concluded that technical (private, 52.3%; public, 33.2%) and economic (private, 29.2%; public, 37.6%) criteria were key ranked criteria from different public and private sector perspectives. Revenue generation and technology availability and maturity were key sub-criteria. Anaerobic digestion, integrated approaches and composting were identified as prioritized technologies, whereas the currently practiced landfilling was the least preferred option for Nepal. The research outcomes will enable policymakers and technology providers to consider incentivizing initiatives and technological choices aligned with these findings and fostering sustainable waste management.