Ramachandra and Bachamanda (2007), states that solid waste management is no longer a problem facing a particular country, but has become a global problem. This problem requires or demands full and continuing coordination and collaboration between the different stakeholders of scientists, economists, technicians, politicians, private organizations and citizens as well.
Over the last two decades, the Ethiopian government has put in place a number of policies, strategies and laws that are designed to support sustainable development. Ethiopia has been showing its strong political will by enacting environmental policy of Ethiopia (1997); Solid waste management proclamations 513/2007 and Pollution control Proclamation 300/2002. Like other developing African countries in Ethiopia towns are growing in urbanization and numbering, while its development has been still considered infant as compared to developed nations.
This study is proposed understand the practices and challenges of solid waste management in Mekane selam town. Mekane Selam town is located in South Wollo administrative zone in Amhara regional state. It is administrative center of Borena wreda. According to 2007 census the population was 8709 (CSA,2007) Currently it is estimated to be 13,700.Like other small towns the study area is faced with practices and challenges of solid waste managing problem both in open and in closed area in the center of the town. This is because the town has challenges with the solid waste generated from households and institutions. In appropriate solid waste management exposés resident health problem the research also aims at revealing the perception of residents and leaders of solid waste management.
