Sustainability and replication of community-based composting: a case study of Bangladesh

Solid waste management is a key concern for the local authorities in developing countries. The continued generation of solid waste, increasing waste management costs and scarcity of landfill space have compounded solid waste problems to a serious stage. Local authorities struggling to meet collection targets do not usually think of waste reduction and recycling. Composting is seen as one potential waste reduction strategy through the recycling of waste. As a result, a number of community-based composting projects have been piloted in the cities. Some projects have been successful in producing lasting impacts on the improvement of solid waste management. However, many projects could not support themselves or expand further when the external agencies discontinued their support. This thesis is an attempt to study the state of sustainability and replication potential of four community-based composting operations in Bangladesh. [Continues.]