Title: Sustainability and replication potential of community-based composting: a case study of Bangladesh

Authors: Tariq Bin Yousuf, Syed Mansoor Ali

Addresses: Waste Management Division, Dhaka City Corporation, 13th Floor, Nagar Bhaban, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. ' International Urban Programme Manager, Practical Action, Centre for Technology and Development, Bourton on Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ, UK

Abstract: Composting is one of the potential waste reduction strategies of solid waste management. It represents waste not as a problem but as a potential resource in the sustainable development paradigm. A number of community-based composting projects are being piloted in the cities. Some projects are successful to produce lasting impacts; however, many projects could not support themselves or expand further. This paper is an attempt to study the state of sustainability and replication potential of four community-based composting projects in Bangladesh. Main findings of the projects show that to achieve sustainability and replication of the community-based composting projects, it needs an integrated approach of community, government and business.

Keywords: solid waste management; community-based composting; sustainability; replication; solid waste compost; Bangladesh; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2007.015155

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.421 - 445

Published online: 18 Sep 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article