Towards Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management: An SDG-Based Sustainability Assessment Methodology for Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa

Julia Weißert (), Kristina Henzler and Shimelis Kebede Kassahun
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Julia Weißert: Department Life Cycle Engineering, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Kristina Henzler: Department Life Cycle Engineering, Institute for Acoustics and Building Physics, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Shimelis Kebede Kassahun: School of Chemical and Bio Engineering, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, King George VI St, P.O. Box 385 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Waste, 2025, vol. 3, issue 1, 1-32

Abstract: In sub-Saharan Africa, municipal solid waste management faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, increasing waste generation, and limited resources, leading to severe environmental and public health issues. Innovations in waste management are essential to address these pressing problems, as they can enhance efficiency, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices while fostering sustainable development. To select sustainable and contextually relevant solutions, it is vital to investigate their potential sustainability impacts based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beforehand and to involve local stakeholders in the innovation process. Besides, engaging stakeholders increases community buy-in and fosters collaboration, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes. This paper develops and applies a sustainability assessment methodology for innovations in municipal solid waste management systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with a case study in Ethiopia. The proposed methodology emphasizes the importance of involving local stakeholders in the SDG-based indicator assessment and offers suggestions for a data collection strategy. The case study on a composting process in Bishoftu Town demonstrates that stakeholder participation in selecting innovations positively influences the outcomes. However, the analysis indicates mixed effects of the innovation in the three sustainability dimensions, highlighting areas for optimization. Consequently, the presented method can support the innovation process of municipal solid waste management systems, fostering sustainable municipal development.

Keywords: life cycle; sustainability assessment; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); waste management; innovations; circular economy; sub-Sahara Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q16 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q28 Q3 Q31 Q38 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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