Industrial Wastes and Their Management Challenges in Ethiopia

Abstract

Industrial wastes are useless wastes generated by industrial activities such as manufacturing, fabrication, construction, chemical plants and others. They are among harmful pollutants that affect the environment and water bodies through pollution. In Ethiopia, the rapid industrialization has led to generation of industrial wastes including hazardous ones. But, knowledge of these wastes and their impact on humans and the surrounding environment is very limited. In addition, to minimize the generation of wastes and develop pollution control measures this study has become imperative. Therefore, this review was conducted to examine the different types of industrial wastes, their impacts and their management challenges in Ethiopia. These issues were addressed through exploration of different studies conducted on industrial wastes in Ethiopia and by referring various journals. The study indicated industrial wastes and their impact on the environment were widely prevalent in Ethiopia especially, in Addis Ababa due to abundance of medium and large scale industries compared to other parts of the country. The sources for these wastes include textile and garment industries, tanning industries, beverage industries, industrial parks and others. The wastes from poorly managed industries are contributors to the pollution of both water bodies and different urban areas. Similarly, solid industrial waste management has become a serious challenge that affects the human welfare and the environment in different parts of the country. However, the management of these industrial wastes is inadequate due to absence of treatment plants for each industry, absence comprehensive, integrated and sustainable solid waste management plan, problem with rapid growth of population and insufficient resources to deal with industrial waste management issues.

Keywords: Industrial Wastes, Management, Challenge, Ethiopia.

DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-8-01

Publication date:October 31^st 2019