Abstract:
Today, people are experiencing the impacts of solid waste generation
very rigorously in Sri Lanka, making it the current topic throughout the country. This
problem is aggregated in urban areas, polluting the urban environment and spreading
diseases. At present Local Authorities are struggling to manage this problem spending
an increase capital annually. However, the methods used by Local Authorities are
overcoming by the increased level of solid waste generation. There is a large body of
research on how to manage solid waste and its generation (Jones et al, 2008; Mohd et al,
2002; Chen et al, 2002). All these studies proved that minimization of the waste
generation are much preferred than the management of solid waste. In order to
minimize the generation, it is essential to identify the determinants of solid waste
generation. In this context, the study focused on extracting the determinant factors of
solid waste generation in Sri Lankan urban areas. In this connection Rough Sets
approach was applied to extract the determinants. It further demonstrates the usefulness
of Rough Sets approach in qualitative data analysis. We hope that in future various
types of solid waste generation determinants can be identified by using this study as a
useful guide. Further, it is anticipated that these results will be useful for professionals
and other officials who engage in solid waste management to make effective decisions
in solid waste management.
