Evaluation of Solid Waste Produced in Garowe District Somalia

Historically, waste management in Garowe District was marked by traditional practices driven by necessity rather than environmental consciousness, the aim of the study was to evaluate solid waste produced in the district while the specific objectives were to identify the composition and quantity of biodegradable waste generated the Garowe District, to assess the types and quantities of non-biodegradable waste produced in Garowe District and also To evaluate the existing waste management practices in the district. The study employed mixed methods. Copies of questionnaires were administered to 388 households and interviews conducted with 5 key informants to assess solid waste composition, quantities, handling practices, and management gaps. The study found food scraps constitute the majority of biodegradable waste generated in households, while plastics dominate the non-biodegradable waste stream. On average, household waste generation exceeds 1 kg per day, and municipal collection services only reach a portion of district residence. Existing waste management efforts focus primarily on collection and disposal with minimal infrastructure for material recovery, recycling or composting. While most residents express willingness to separate organic waste, few households implement home composting due to knowledge gaps and space constraints. The findings reveal significant potential to improve waste management sustainability by reducing disposal volumes and introducing programs to divert organics and recyclables from dumping sites. Key recommendations include public education, expanding source segregation, constructing composting and recycling facilities, and better integrating the informal recycling sector. The study provides important baseline data to inform integrated municipal solid waste management planning aligned with local needs while minimizing environmental and public health impacts. KEYWORDS: Waste management, Garowe District, Municipal solid waste, Household waste, Somalia