Optimizing landfill siting for small towns in developing countries

Cities in developing countries often struggle to protect environmental quality and public health amid growing municipal solid waste pressures. Landfilling remains the dominant disposal option in resource-constrained settings, yet decisions on landfill locations are often made without systematic, science-based frameworks that adequately incorporate environmental, social, and ethical considerations. This study applies an integrated GIS–Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework to assess landfill site suitability in Chegutu, Zimbabwe, a rapidly urbanizing small town facing increasing waste management challenges. Multiple environmental, social, and geotechnical criteria were evaluated through structured pairwise comparisons and spatial overlay analysis, while acknowledging that additional considerations such as financial feasibility could further strengthen planning assessments. The results show that highly unsuitable areas dominate the town, accounting for approximately 85.6% of the total area, primarily due to proximity to built-up areas, incompatible land uses, and terrain-related constraints. Suitable and moderately suitable areas collectively represent about 14.1% of the landscape, while highly suitable land constitutes only about 0.3%, underscoring the severe spatial limitations for landfill development within the municipal boundary. The findings demonstrate that within the context of Chegutu Town, municipal-scale landfill self-sufficiency may be unrealistic, highlighting the need for regional waste management strategies and proactive land-use protection. The framework provides a locally relevant decision-support approach for evidence-based planning and contributes to broader discussions on responsible waste management in small towns across developing regions.