Towards an Alternative Planning Perspective for Household Solid Waste Management in Urban Informal Settlements: The Case of Khulna, Bangladesh

Abstract

The scope of spatial planning within a community scale for household solid waste management (HHSWM) in space-constraint situations like urban informal settlements is almost absent in waste management studies, and this study fills the gap. In Bangladesh, most of the fast-growing cities with a high population density have no significant solid waste management (SWM) system, and the municipal services are incompatible. Along with several socio-economic and awareness issues, one of the major difficulties for urban informal settlements is connecting the SWM system with the municipal waste collection service because of the highly congested spatial arrangements and lack of accessibility. It is evident through several studies that decentralized waste treatment is one of the most effective solutions to a fast-growing waste management crisis. This study aims to investigate an alternative in situ approach from spatial planning dimensions for the HHSWM in informal settlements in Khulna, the southern metropolitan city of Bangladesh. The methods comprise investigation data from observations, built environment mapping, spatial analysis, key personal interviews, and focused group discussions with stakeholders. The finding contributes to a spatial planning framework for HHSWM in informal settlements that incorporate multiple benefits, like waste-to-income opportunities, reducing pressure on municipal services and maintaining a healthy and hygienic living environment.