This study assesses the factors affecting the
sustainability of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).It
is motivated by the fact that Tanzania through Vice-
President’s Office-Division of Environment is in the
process of establishing three Pilot MRFs as part of Open
Burning Project. However, there has never been
adequate studies to inform on necessary factors for
MRFs sustainability.
The study conducted in Ilala city, and Kigamboni
and Ubungo municipalities. The choice of study area
based on existence of MRF in Ilala city and proposed
MRFs in Kigamboni and Ubungo municipalities. The
study variables include SWM administration; waste
collection services and segregation practices; reliable
market for the recyclables waste; waste
characterization; land availability; technology and
human resources; financial viability; legal framework;
community economic status and awareness level.
Interviews, different types of observations, and
documentary review formed the research data collection
techniques. The study used descriptive analyses for its
variable analysis.
The findings show that there is supportive legal
framework; enough and right waste composition;
reliable land; and economic viability for the MRFs
establishment. Parallel to that, the study areas found
with ineffective SWM administration; inadequate waste
characterization studies, segregation practices, human
skills and community awareness. Further, there were
untapped waste market potential, poor technological
application and moderate waste collection services.
To this end the study recommends; setting
attractive prices for the recyclables in the MRFs;
incentivising communities to use the MRFs; Intensifying
community Awareness campaigns on the use of MRFs;
and application of Public Private Partnership model in
operating the MRFs.
Keywords : MRFs, Material Recovery Facilities, Sustainability, Solid Waste Management, Recycling, and Tanzania.