Abstract:
Solid waste management is a pressing concern in the Jaffna Peninsula,
where communities often resort to improper disposal methods, such as throwing
waste on public places and roads. This research aimed to identify the specific loca-
tions where solid waste is generated and the types of solid waste thereby, shedding
light on the critical issues of waste management. For this analysis, a comprehensive
methodology was employed. Primary data were gathered through fieldwork involv-
ing the random selection of seventy (70) sampling locations, employing field obser-
vation, photography, and direct interview techniques. Throwing locations were pin-
pointed with the aid of GPS technology, while the spatial distribution of these sites
was mapped using ArcMap 10.4 software. Furthermore, the study also traced loca-
tions where solid waste burning occurred using GPS technology. Thirty sites for solid
waste burning were discovered and distributed throughout the area, and twenty loca-
tions for solid waste disposal were randomly identified, with many concealed in en-
vironmental or secluded areas. These secluded areas were characterised by relative
locations surrounded by uninhabited structures, bends in roads, T-junctions, unusable
lands, and land with high wall fences. Most of these secluded locations were not eas-
ily visible to the public, with limited public access or movement. These results were
visually presented through diagrammatic representations. The types of solid waste
discovered were diverse and included food waste, plastics, faecal waste, non-com-
bustible waste, and more. Many of these waste types were burnt in the same locations
by local residents and many people tended to throw solid waste in the evening and
night. This suggests that stricter regulations need to be enforced during these hours.
The research findings indicate that addressing this issue extends beyond legislation
alone. The root causes lie in the attitudes and educational levels of the population,
officials and workers who collect waste. Therefore, effective waste management
strategies in the Jaffna Peninsula should involve not only strict regulatory measures
but also community education and awareness programmes. The findings of this study
can serve as a valuable foundation for policymakers and local authorities as they work
towards sustainable solid waste management practices in the area.
