Leveraging on the Strength of Neighbourhood Associations to Promote Sustainable Waste Management Practices
By almost any form of evaluation, solid waste management is a growing environmental and financial problem in developing countries. Despite significant efforts in the last decades, the majority of municipalities in developing countries cannot manage the growing volume of waste produced in their cities.
Poor waste management and rising urban pressure have heightened the city’s environmental degradation risks. Studies establish that the major causes of poor solid waste management in the township are indiscriminate dumping of refuse (38%), poor refuse collection approaches (28%) and an upsurge in the population (20%).
The highest level of service and maximum benefit is gained when the municipality sees its solid waste management mandate and responsibilities clearly, and by making use of the strengths of the various Stakeholders, i.e.?
Neighbourhood Associations play a critical part in the management of waste in their communities. Some of their roles include
Encouraging waste reduction and reuse
Neighbourhood associations can promote waste reduction and reuse by organizing community swap events, repair cafes, and other initiatives that encourage people to give new life to items they no longer use or need.?
This can help reduce waste and promote a more sustainable consumption pattern.
Educating and engaging the community
Neighbourhood associations can educate and engage the community in the principles of the circular economy, such as reducing waste, reusing and repurposing materials, and recycling.?They can organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to promote sustainable waste management practices and encourage behaviour change
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Supporting community-based recycling initiatives
Neighbourhood associations can support community-based recycling initiatives by partnering with local recycling businesses or cooperatives. This can help create local jobs, reduce transportation costs, and contribute to a more circular local economy.
Local Knowledge and building capacity
Neighbourhood associations have a deep understanding of the waste management challenges specific to their communities and can identify appropriate solutions and advocate for policies and services that meet their community's unique needs.
They can build the capacity of community members, waste collectors, and local authorities to promote sustainable waste management practices.
This can include providing training on waste segregation, composting, and recycling, as well as building the capacity of waste collectors to improve their efficiency and safety.
Advocating for policies and regulations that support a circular economy
Neighbourhood associations can advocate for policies and regulations that promote sustainable waste management practices and circular economy principles.?They can collaborate with local government and other stakeholders to promote policies that support waste reduction, recycling, and reuse.
Active neighbourhoods can be seen in different parts of the world, such as in South Africa, Brazil and India.In the Philippines, neighbourhood associations known as "barangays" have played a critical role in waste management. In Manila, Barangays have established waste segregation and recycling programs which have helped reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and created local jobs.
Neighbourhood associations benefit more through their partnerships and collaborations with local government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations to leverage resources, share knowledge and expertise, and implement sustainable waste management initiatives. These partnerships can help address complex waste management challenges and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Overall, the significance of neighbourhood associations in waste management lies in their ability to mobilize community engagement, represent community interests, leverage local knowledge, foster partnerships and collaboration, and build the capacity of stakeholders to promote sustainable waste management practices.