IMPROVING THE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID WASTE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Solid waste is a significant topic for sustainable development because to its connection with the three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment, and society (Heidari, Yazdanparast, & Jabbarzadeh, 2019; Pires, Martinho, Rodrigues, & Gomes, 2019). Efficient management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is imperative to conserve energy and natural resources, mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and safeguard public health (Mora, Manzini, Gamberi, & Cascini, 2017). To accomplish sustainable goals, it is imperative to implement a meticulously designed management system that ensures economic viability, enhanced environmental quality, and social acceptability.

Solid waste management encompasses a range of operations that involve all functional components, starting from trash generation to its ultimate disposal (Sasikumar, 2019). The components of MSW management systems can be categorised as follows: (i) generation; (ii) separation and storage at the point of origin; (iii) collection and transportation (C&T); (iv) separation, processing, and conversion; and disposal (Yadav, Karmakar, Dikshit, & Vanjari, 2017). C&T, or combustion and thermal treatment, is a vital component of MSW (municipal solid waste) management systems. It plays a critical role in addressing issues related to cost, public health risks from emissions, material recovery and recycling, and the depletion of resources such as fossil fuels (Rodrigues, Martinho, & Pires, 2017). 

The costs associated with collection and transportation (C&T) are a significant part of the expenses in municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems. In developing countries like Cameroon, approximately 70-85% of the total management cost is allocated to C&T, while in developed countries like Sweden, this proportion ranges from 50% to 75% (Ghose, Dikshit, & Sharma, 2019; Sonesson, 2020; Yadav, Karmakar, Dikshit, & Vanjari, 2017). Developing countries often rely on informal recycling and manual labour for waste management, as noted by Amponsah and Salhi (2018). In contrast, developed countries typically employ mechanical collection systems to handle segregated municipal solid waste, as highlighted by Mohsenizadeh, Tural, and Kentel (2020) and Rodrigues et al. (2017). The determination of C&T practices varies significantly across different countries. For instance, Indian municipalities follow a centralised manual provided by the federal Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India (MoUD, 2017). On the other hand, Danish municipalities must adhere to the regulations established by local urban authorities in a decentralised manner (Christian, 2021).

Research has identified several factors that contribute to the problem of solid waste management. These factors include management issues, insufficient waste management facilities, and ineffective waste management practices. Additionally, the problem is exacerbated by the presence of low-skilled workers, financial constraints, inadequate transportation facilities, and a lack of law enforcement and monitoring in waste management activities.  Ogwueleka (2023) states that in developing nations, local authorities allocate a significant portion of their money, ranging from 77% to 95%, towards the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). However, their ability to actually collect and manage the waste is limited, with only 50% to 70% of MSW being successfully collected. Prior research has identified that issues related to the collection, transportation, and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) can be attributed to a lack of institutional arrangement, the absence of bylaws and standards, inflexible work schedules, and inadequate information regarding the quantity and changing characteristics of waste (Ajani, 2017; Babayemi & Dauda, 2019; Ogwueleka, 2019). Furthermore, the cultural aspects of the population, together with social and political influences, inadequate technology, and personnel and administrative considerations, all have substantial impacts (Onibokun and Kumuyi, 2020; Ishaq, 2021; World Bank, 2019).

Efficiently managing solid waste is crucial for attaining sustainable development, especially in quickly urbanising nations such as Cameroon. With the expansion of urban areas, there has been a significant increase in the production of solid waste, putting a pressure on the current waste management systems. The collection and transportation processes are vital elements of an efficient waste management system. They are responsible for ensuring that garbage is handled, treated, and disposed of correctly, with the aim of minimising threats to the environment and public health (Mungai & Poudel, 2019). In Cameroon, the process of gathering and moving solid waste is frequently accompanied by difficulties. Numerous metropolitan regions encounter sporadic and ineffective waste collection services, resulting in the buildup of waste in public places, residential areas, and streets. This not only leads to unhygienic circumstances but also promotes the spread of disease-carrying organisms, such as rodents and insects, which offer substantial health hazards to the population (Pérez et al., 2018). The logistical challenges related to trash transportation, such as a scarcity of suitable vehicles, poorly maintained road infrastructure, and inadequate planning, worsen the situation by causing delays and inefficiencies in the transfer of waste to specified disposal locations (Sam, 2021).

In order to foster sustainable development in Cameroon, it is imperative to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of solid waste collection and transportation. By tackling these essential elements of the waste management system, it is feasible to diminish environmental contamination, improve public health, and establish cleaner, more habitable urban areas. Moreover, enhancing waste management strategies can bolster economic growth through the generation of employment opportunities in garbage collection, recycling, and allied sectors, while also facilitating the shift towards a more sustainable and circular economy (Osei, 2022). The objective of this study is to evaluate the present condition of solid waste collection and transportation in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The collection and transportation of solid waste in Cameroon pose significant obstacles that impede sustainable development. Urban areas, especially cities such as Douala and Yaoundé, are facing challenges in garbage management due to the rapid expansion in population and economic development. Insufficient trash collection and transportation systems worsen environmental deterioration, public health problems, and economic inefficiencies, hindering efforts to achieve sustainable development.

According to reports, numerous urban and peri-urban regions in Cameroon suffer from a lack of comprehensive waste collection services, resulting in informal and frequently unhygienic waste disposal methods (Mungai & Poudel, 2019). This deficiency leads to the accumulation of rubbish in public areas and unauthorised dumping sites, which contribute to environmental contamination and pose health risks. Inadequate collection frequency frequently results in trash overflow and accumulation in densely populated areas (Kouadio et al., 2020). According to Nguyen & Tuan (2021), the trash transportation fleet in many cities in Cameroon is antiquated and inadequately maintained, leading to a decline in its efficiency and dependability. Transportation systems that are not efficient lead to delays and higher operational expenses. Urban areas experience significant traffic congestion, which worsens the delays in trash collection and transportation, hence aggravating the problem (Nyarko et al., 2022).

Insufficient trash collection and transportation exacerbate environmental pollution, leading to the contamination of water sources and the deterioration of air quality (Hossain & Rahman, 2021). This presents significant health hazards to the people, including as respiratory ailments and infections transmitted by vectors. Inadequately supervised garbage collection and transportation systems frequently lead to waste seepage and the scattering of litter, causing the deterioration of public areas and contributing to urban decay (Pérez et al., 2018). Ghani et al. (2023) asserts that inefficiencies in waste collection and transportation result in elevated operational costs for municipalities, encompassing augmented fuel and maintenance expenditures. These expenses place a burden on local government finances and restrict the ability to invest in environmentally-friendly waste management systems. Sani et al. (2021) argues that inefficient waste management systems fail to capitalise on potential revenue streams from recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.

The deficiencies in the trash collection and transportation infrastructure have substantial ramifications for sustainable development in Cameroon. Inadequate waste management procedures result in environmental deterioration, including the polluting of soil and water, air contamination due to trash incineration, and the obstruction of drainage systems, leading to potential floods (Ahmed et al., 2019). These problems not only diminish the standard of living for those living in cities but also impede economic growth by reducing the appeal of cities for investment and tourism. Furthermore, the fiscal and organizational limitations encountered by local governments hinder their ability to effectively tackle these difficulties. The insufficient allocation of funds for waste management, coupled with a deficiency in technical proficiency and inadequate regulatory structures, hampers endeavors to enhance the gathering and conveyance of solid garbage (Adebayo, 2022). Furthermore, there is frequently a deficiency in the synchronization among various entities engaged in trash management, such as government agencies, private enterprises, and local communities, resulting in fragmented and inefficient waste management systems (Jamiu, 2019). The objective of this study is to evaluate the present condition of solid waste collection and transportation in Cameroon, identify the primary obstacles and difficulties, and provide options for enhancement.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically Investigate Improving the Collection and Transportation of Solid Waste to Promote Sustainable Development in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate Current Collection and Transportation Practices in Cameroon

To identify Technological and Infrastructure Needs required to improve waste collection and transportation in Cameroon

To analyze Financial and Operational Constraints faced by municipalities in managing waste collection and transportation in Cameroon

To assess the adequacy of existing policies and regulations related to waste collection and transportation in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the current collection and transportation practices employed in Cameroon?

What technological and infrastructural improvements are needed to enhance waste collection and transportation in Cameroon?

What financial and operational constraints impact the effectiveness of waste collection and transportation services in Cameroon?

How adequate are the existing policies and regulations governing waste collection and transportation in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The current waste collection and transportation systems in Cameroon are inefficient.

Ha: The current waste collection and transportation systems in Cameroon are efficient.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study is essential for enhancing waste management techniques in Cameroon. The project seeks to enhance environmental sustainability, public health, economic efficiency, and effective governance by tackling the obstacles in waste collection and transportation. Ultimately, this will contribute to the overarching objective of sustainable development.

Improving trash collection and transportation systems can effectively mitigate environmental contamination. Efficient solutions mitigate the potential for waste leakage, unauthorized dumping, and unregulated landfills, hence enhancing the quality of air, water, and soil. This is consistent with the overarching objectives of promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing climate resilience. Enhanced collection and transportation methods can permit more effective waste segregation at its origin, leading to increased rates of recycling and the recovery of valuable resources. This practice decreases the amount of waste that is disposed of in landfills and encourages the adoption of a circular economy. The study provides evidence in favor of numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Enhanced waste management plays a crucial role in creating sustainable urban settings and optimizing resource utilization.

Moreover, inefficient waste management procedures are linked to a range of health hazards, such as the transmission of diseases and exposure to dangerous substances. The study aims to alleviate these dangers and enhance public health outcomes by enhancing collection and transportation networks. Optimal garbage collection and transportation methods promote cleanliness in streets and neighborhoods, hence decreasing the probability of insect infestations and unpleasant odors. This, in turn, has a good effect on community health and well-being.

Furthermore, implementing efficient trash collection and transportation systems can result in financial savings by minimizing operating inefficiencies and maintenance expenses. Additionally, this might allocate municipal resources for other vital services. Enhanced waste management can generate fresh economic prospects, such as employment in waste collection, recycling, and waste-to-energy industries. Additionally, it has the potential to allure investments in the development of waste management infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.

Furthermore, the study offers valuable data regarding the efficacy of current laws and regulations, empowering policymakers to develop more efficient and all-encompassing waste management policies. Additionally, it reveals areas where regulations are lacking and require attention. The study enhances governance structures pertaining to waste management by assessing existing policies and suggesting enhancements, hence assuring more effective enforcement and compliance.

Moreover, the study's results and recommendations could offer valuable direction for future research and interventions in the domain of municipal solid waste management collection and transportation. This would in turn enhance the existing knowledge base that supports sustainable development.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically to critically Investigate Improving the Collection and Transportation of Solid Waste to Promote Sustainable Development in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate Current Collection and Transportation Practices in Cameroon and analyze Financial and Operational Constraints faced by municipalities in managing waste collection and transportation in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the adequacy of existing policies and regulations related to waste collection and transportation in Cameroon and it also seeks to assess the adequacy of existing policies and regulations related to waste collection and transportation in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers observed specific limitations that are intrinsic to all human actions. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, stemming from the paucity of data on Enhancing the Collection and Transportation of Solid Waste to Foster Sustainable Development in Cameroon. Hence, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to ascertain the suitable materials, books, or information and collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its limited sample size and restricted geographical coverage, mostly centered on Cameroon. Consequently, the ability to apply the findings of this study to a broader context is limited, emphasizing the necessity for additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's shortcomings were predominantly attributed to financial restraints, as they are a student who lacks the necessary financial resources to support themselves. The excessively high transportation fees at the study site presented a difficulty in fulfilling the financial responsibilities associated with transportation costs.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while concurrently meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational endeavors.

1.9 Definition of terms

Solid waste: solid waste" means any garbage or refuse, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, water supply treatment plant, or air pollution control facility and other discarded material, resulting from industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities.

Solid waste management: The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste.