Outsourcing solid waste management to community-based organizations in local governments

Purpose Urban-based local government authorities (LGAs) have embarked on outsourcing solid waste management to community-based organizations (CBOs) for attaining sustainable cities and community’s goal. However, the effectiveness of outsourcing this function to CBOs remains unclear. This study contributes to this debate by citing three urban LGAs from Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in Tanzania specifically to urban LGAs. This study employed a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with outsourced groups and analyzed through thematic approach. Findings This study found that outsourcing solid waste management benefits both LGAs and groups. On the one hand, LGAs collect revenues out of this arrangement and groups improve their income on the other. However, groups’ operational environment is confronted by poor infrastructure, inadequate collection tools and poor community awareness and readiness. Research limitations/implications This study focused on only three LGAs. Studies are recommended for other urban LGAs in Tanzania to extend the scope of the debate. Again, this study confined itself to the effectiveness of outsourcing solid waste collection to groups, but did not focus on how LGAs use revenue collected to improve the waste management, this welcomes further studies to be conducted. Originality/value The experienced operational environment creates difficulties for groups in waste collection and might result in some waste being uncollected.