Abstract
Sri Lanka faces significant challenges in managing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), due to rapid urbanization and population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and limited government resources. The surge in population and urbanization has led to a significant increase in waste generation, yet its effective management remains elusive. The overall collection efficiency is just 27%, with no 100% coverage in all 25 administrative districts in the country. While economic growth has spurred urbanization, it has also laid bare the stark disparities in waste collection services between urban and rural areas. Despite the need for research, limited studies have investigated waste collection disparities. This study explores this comparison, analyzing the practices, challenges, and potential solutions for both scenarios. The study's findings provide fact-based information about performance, enabling policymakers to make data-driven decisions for a sustainable MSWM through improved collection coverage.The study area encompasses the entire island, with HHs as respondents. Data collection used a structured questionnaire and an online survey company's monitoring service.Sri Lanka’s urban rural waste collection disparity is a complex issue demanding immediate attention, thus, a multi-pronged approach is necessary by strengthening local authorities, promoting community participation, and addressing the specific challenges of communities.
