Integrated solid-waste management for Kabul city, Afghanistan

The increasing generation of solid waste and its improper management has imposed daunting impact on Kabul city. The city of 5 million people generated 3050 tonnes of solid waste every day in 2018. Data analysis shows that if an estimated 25% waste reduction is achieved gradually by 2023, then the total cost of the system will be reduced to 1505.9 million Afs/year, much lesser than the estimated cost at 2210 million Afs/year. This study was aimed at developing an integrated solid-waste management (ISWM) plan for Kabul city based on an overview of the existing system and practices, including the gaps in the entire value chain. The study recommends a paradigm shift from business-as-usual scenario to an ISWM approach. The proposed strategies, when implemented effectively, will increase the recycling rate and reduce the requirement for landfilling in Kabul city. Policy reforms to encourage waste reduction and segregation, and the establishment of facilities for recycling, treatment, and landfilling are proposed. Moreover, the willingness to pay of citizens indicates the total cost of waste management system, estimated at 111.53 million Afs/month, can be recovered effectively.