Analysing stakeholder' perceptions on solid waste management technologies: A case study of Nepal
Mukesh Ghimire1,2, Sudeshana Pandey1, JongRoul Woo1
1Energy Environment Policy and Technology, Graduate School of Energy and Environment (KU-KIST Green School), Korea University, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Summary
Selecting appropriate solid waste management (SWM) technologies is crucial for investment success. In Nepal, technical and economic factors, prioritizing anaerobic digestion and composting, emerged as key for sustainable waste management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Engineering
- Public Policy
Background:
- Solid waste management (SWM) in rapidly urbanizing areas like Nepal faces significant technical and managerial challenges.
- Effective technology selection is critical for sustainable SWM investments and operations.
- Limited local expertise exacerbates SWM complexities in Nepalese municipalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify, analyze, and rank criteria for selecting SWM technologies in Nepal.
- To provide a framework for informed decision-making in SWM technology adoption.
- To address the specific needs of urban municipalities with rapid growth and limited SWM knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology for multi-criteria decision analysis.
- Incorporated opinions from 66 public and private sector stakeholders and experts.
- Evaluated 5 alternative SWM technologies against 3 main criteria and 12 sub-criteria.
Main Results:
- Technical and economic criteria were ranked highest by both private (52.3%, 29.2%) and public (33.2%, 37.6%) sectors, respectively.
- Key sub-criteria influencing selection included revenue generation and technology availability/maturity.
- Anaerobic digestion, integrated approaches, and composting were prioritized technologies; landfilling was least preferred.
Conclusions:
- Policy and investment decisions in Nepal's SWM sector should align with prioritized technologies like anaerobic digestion and composting.
- Future SWM strategies must emphasize technical and economic viability, alongside revenue generation potential.
- Findings offer guidance for policymakers and technology providers to foster sustainable waste management practices.
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