People's participation in home composting: an exploratory study based on Moratuwa and Kaduwela municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Purpose

Improper waste management has been a serious issue in many countries, thus, home composting is considered as an effective method in solid waste management (SWM). Based on qualitative research methods, this study explores peoples' motives to choose composting and main problems confronted by them in home composting in Kaduwela and Moratuwa municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and proposes policy measures to improve home compositing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was mainly based on qualitative research methods. A convenient sample of 40 households including 20 households from each municipal council (MC) has been selected using semi-structured interviews. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Citizens have chosen to compost mainly, for gardening, the influence of local authorities, economic benefits and environmental and health concerns. Fear of potential health problems, lack of resources, problems caused by animals, problems related to compost bins, limited knowledge and awareness about composting are difficulties encountered during home composting. Providing compost bins to people at a concessionary price or for free of charge, providing required facilities and financial assistance, promoting people's positive attitudes and awareness, encouraging the use of compost in households, improving the standard of composting and making relevant legal and institutional arrangements to promote people's participation in home composting are suggested for encouraging home composting.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a small sample, which is the main limitation of this study.

Practical implications

The policy implication will help to improve composting solid waste practices of the Local Governments.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on composting related to the selected municipalities. As composting is an effective method in SWM, the findings and the proposed policy measures of this study will help to improve the SWM of the Local Governments of Sri Lanka.

Citation

Fernando, R.L.S. (2021), "People's participation in home composting: an exploratory study based on Moratuwa and Kaduwela municipalities in the Western Province of Sri Lanka", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 344-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-03-2020-0051