The role of municipalities in solid waste management: The case of Eskişehir Odunpazari Municipality

Solid wastes began to gain a problematic dimension as people started to live in communities in various settlements. When the municipal solid wastes resulting from the industrialization, urbanization, population growth, economic growth and development and the production and consumption patterns of the linear economic system cannot be controlled, environmental pollution, public health problems and economic losses are caused. The management strategies developed against municipal solid waste problems vary according to the political, social, legal and economic characteristics of the countries and local conditions in the field of application. As in many countries about the task of municipal solid waste management in Turkey, powers and responsibilities belong to a large extent to the municipalities. The success of municipalities in solid waste management system is important for creating environmentally, socially and economically sustainable cities. However, municipalities face many problems in performing these services. The aim of this study is to make a case study of Eskişehir Odunpazarı Municipality's solid waste management activities in 2017-2018 period and to examine the effects of waste management hierarchy approach on the management system. In this context, PESTEL and SWOT analyzes were performed in the light of the data obtained through literature review and field research. In this way, existing and potential problem areas were identified and management strategy suggestions suitable for Eskişehir Odunpazarı Municipality Directorate of Cleaning Affairs were presented. Keywords: Solid Waste, Solid Waste Management, Waste Management Hierachy, Municipalities, Environmental Pollution, Public Health, PESTEL, SWOT