THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (ISWMP) IN MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN URBAN CENTRES IN PNG

Author: Diana Panta

Panta, Diana, 2014 THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (ISWMP) IN MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN URBAN CENTRES IN PNG, Flinders University, School of the Environment

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Abstract

ABSTRACT

Improper management of solid waste causes environmental and public health problems. New waste management approaches are required to minimise pollution and recover vital resources. One such method is indigenous solid waste management practice (ISWMP), which focuses on resource recovery leading to conservation of limited resources minimizing of environmental pollutions. However, there is minimal research on ISWMP in Papua New Guinea, therefore, an understanding of the use of ISWMP and its transferability to urban areas would assist in improving urban solid waste management. This thesis investigated the role of ISWMP in Wamonagu village and Goroka town of Papua New Guinea with a result that shows that ISWMP focuses on resource recovery using the “reduce-reuse-recycle” or 3R approach. The 3R approach is used for managing solid waste in homes and public areas in Wamonagu, but not for recycling non-biodegradable solid waste. In contrast, not all the households in Goroka use ISWMP even though all households have some knowledge and skills of ISWMP. The bulk of solid waste in Goroka town is collected as mixed garbage and disposed of by the town council Even though most households segregate the biodegradables and non-biodegradables SW and manage them using ISWMP.

Hence the study recommends ISWMP as an option for managing municipal solid waste in urban areas.

Keywords: Solid waste managment in Papua New Guinea, Indigenous sollid waste mangment practices in Papua New Guinea

Subject: Environmental Science thesis, Environmental management thesis

Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2014
School: School of the Environment
Supervisor: Dr Udoy Sakia