From Waste to Resource: A SWOT Evaluation of Organic Waste Composting for Sustainable Waste Management in Cameron Highlands

Organic waste management presents a critical environmental challenge in highland agricultural and tourism regions such as Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. This study evaluates the environmental performance of organic waste composting initiatives introduced under the Cameron Highlands Green Initiative, using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analytical framework. Data were collected through structured surveys, field observations, and secondary data from 2019 to 2024. The findings reveal key strengths including reduced landfill dependency, greenhouse gas mitigation, and enhanced soil health through compost application. However, the study also identifies infrastructure limitations, inconsistent compost quality, and limited technical capacity among operators as major weaknesses. Opportunities were found in policy incentives, organic market expansion, and community partnerships, while threats included climate variability, market competition from chemical fertilizers, and community resistance. The study concludes with strategic recommendations to enhance composting adoption, including capacity-building programs, infrastructure upgrades, and supportive policy integration. These insights contribute to the development of low-carbon, circular economy strategies for sustainable waste management in highland areas.