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Towards Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management: An SDG-Based Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Weißert

    (Department Life Cycle Engineering, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Kristina Henzler

    (Department Life Cycle Engineering, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Shimelis Kebede Kassahun

    (School of Chemical and Bio Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, King George VI St, P.O. Box 385 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, municipal solid waste management faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, increasing waste generation, and limited resources, leading to severe environmental and public health issues. Innovations in waste management are essential to address these pressing problems, as they can enhance efficiency, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices while fostering sustainable development. To select sustainable and contextually relevant solutions, it is vital to investigate their potential sustainability impacts based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beforehand and to involve local stakeholders in the innovation process. Besides, engaging stakeholders increases community buy-in and fosters collaboration, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes. This paper develops and applies a sustainability assessment methodology for innovations in municipal solid waste management systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with a case study in Ethiopia. The proposed methodology emphasizes the importance of involving local stakeholders in the SDG-based indicator assessment and offers suggestions for a data collection strategy. The case study on a composting process in Bishoftu Town demonstrates that stakeholder participation in selecting innovations positively influences the outcomes. However, the analysis indicates mixed effects of the innovation in the three sustainability dimensions, highlighting areas for optimization. Consequently, the presented method can support the innovation process of municipal solid waste management systems, fostering sustainable municipal development.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Weißert & Kristina Henzler & Shimelis Kebede Kassahun, 2025. "Towards Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management: An SDG-Based Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa," Waste, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-32, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jwaste:v:3:y:2025:i:1:p:6-:d:1569457
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jing Wang & Stephanie D. Maier & Rafael Horn & Robert Holländer & Ralf Aschemann, 2018. "Development of an Ex-Ante Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Municipal Solid Waste Management Innovations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-29, September.
    2. Milena Stefanova & Concetta Tripepi & Alessandra Zamagni & Paolo Masoni, 2014. "Goal and Scope in Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis: The Case of Hydrogen Production from Biomass," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(8), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Muyiwa Lawrence Adedara & Ridwan Taiwo & Hans-Rudolf Bork, 2023. "Municipal Solid Waste Collection and Coverage Rates in Sub-Saharan African Countries: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-25, April.
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