Improving the Effectiveness of Solid Waste Treatment Plants Via Integrated System Approach: a Case Study on Manisa

Abstract

This study investigates the ways of improving theeffectiveness of the recently constructed waste treatment plants inTurkey. Many municipalities have made large public investments onmodern solid waste treatment plants. These plants, designed toprocess hundred tons of waste per day, positively contribute to boththe environment and the economy. However, the inefficiencies inother waste management activities (e.g. waste collection,transportation) could limit these plants’ contributions, making it apriority to identify and remove the bottlenecks in the municipal solidwaste system. This study examines the municipal solid waste systemof Manisa, including the recently constructed Uzunburun Solid WasteTreatment Plant. Interviews with municipal public managers wereconducted to shed light on bottlenecks that could limit theeffectiveness of Uzunburun Plant. Then, integrated solid wastemanagement framework was used to reveal possible ways to removethese bottlenecks. According to results, socio-cultural issues are ofprime importance; however, the effects of actions addressing theseissues are only observable in the long-term. Nevertheless, the resultsshow that improvements can be made in a shorter-time periodthrough some technical, legal, and institutional steps.