Solid Waste Generation Rate, Composition Analysis, and Proposed Management Plan: A Case Study of Main Market Centers of Bahir Dar City

Effective municipal solid waste management is a critical aspect of urban development. This study investigated the waste generation rate, composition, and current solid waste management plan in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was implemented. Data collection involves onsite data collection, structured questionnaires, and semistructured interviews. The result indicated that retail trade emerges as the leading sector, generating nearly half of the total solid waste (49%), and the food service sector stands second. In terms of solid waste type, food waste constitutes a significant portion of the waste stream, with a daily generation of 10,817.51 kg. The paper and cardboard waste in the market centers were the second waste, accounting for 762.684 kg per day. The amount of plastic waste generated per day ranges from 157.946 to 493.253 kg, and because of its high volatile matter content (68.95%), it might be used to produce energy. Food waste and yard waste had a high moisture content of 63.25% and 40.14%, respectively, which makes them ideal for composting and biogas production. Among the seven study sites, Kebele 04 had a huge waste generation, which was 47% of the total waste generation, indicating a spatial disparity in waste production in the city. The results highlighted the immense potential for waste reuse and recycling, emphasizing the circular economic opportunities associated with sustainable waste management practices. The findings contribute valuable insights to urban planners and policymakers to implement sustainable solid waste management plans in the country.