Master of Regional and Community Planning / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Sheri Smith / America’s landfill space is quickly depleting as the population continues to experience rapid growth; as the population grows the amount of daily waste generated increases at an alarming as well. In fact, by the year 2024, America would have exhausted all land areas dedicated to landfills. Currently, nationwide mandated regulations or standards to decrease the amount generated solid waste, construction waste, composting waste, or reducing waste at the source; do not exists. The following report researches effective practices that would make a waste management system sustainable. In order to rate the sustainability of the management system, a score sheet was created drawing from literature written. By creating a score sheet, individual waste management systems are able to determine if they are indeed sustainable and/or in need of improvement. The City of Chicago, Illinois, was chosen as the city to be measured and has proven to have a promising future as a prototype in effective sustainable waste management practices.

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, presents significant challenges due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and limited infrastructural capacities. This research aims to analyze the current MSWM practices in Colombo, identify the key challenges faced, benchmark these practices against international standards, and propose sustainable solutions for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from primary sources and qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders, including municipal officials, waste management professionals, and residents. Quantitative data analysis revealed that Colombo generates an average of 1200 tons of waste daily, primarily from residential sources (60%). The predominant waste disposal method is landfilling, which accounts for 75% of waste disposal, with significant challenges identified in infrastructure, funding, and public compliance. Qualitative data from municipal officials highlighted the importance of policies focused on waste segregation, mandatory recycling programs, and penalties for illegal dumping. However, enforcement of these policies remains problematic due to resource limitations and public resistance. The study identified several critical challenges in MSWM, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and public apathy. Collaborative efforts between the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) and private sector stakeholders through initiatives like 'Zero Waste Colombo' have shown potential in addressing these challenges. Community engagement and educational programs have been implemented to promote waste reduction, recycling, and composting, but their success relies heavily on continuous support and participation from local organizations and residents. Future strategies for MSWM in Colombo include integrating advanced waste-to-energy technologies, expanding recycling facilities, and enhancing waste collection efficiency through smart technologies. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, increased investment in waste management infrastructure, and continuous public education campaigns. This research contributes to the scholarly literature on urban sustainability and MSWM, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders in Colombo. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the proposed solutions, Colombo can move towards a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.