A Qualitative Document Analysis of Afghanistan's National Waste Management Policy: Identifying Policy Gaps and Context-Based Solutions from Islamic and Organizational Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to identify weaknesses and gaps in Afghanistan's national waste management policy through an analytical assessment and to identify effective solutions based on the current situation in Afghanistan and international best practices. The National Environmental Protection Authority (NEPA) of Afghanistan established a National Solid Waste Management Policy in 2010. The policy outlines three types of waste (medical, hazardous, and municipal) and provides specific guidelines for their management. This study used a qualitative approach to identify weaknesses and gaps in Afghanistan's national waste management policy through an analytical assessment and to identify effective solutions based on the current situation in Afghanistan and international best practices. The findings indicate that Afghanistan's solid waste policy has made progress in defining basic frameworks, but considering the policy's knowledge, international best practices, and the country's current situation, the main and fundamental problems and shortcomings in this policy include the lack of integration and attention to Islamic principles and principles, ineffective management by municipalities, lack of public-private partnership, and lack of guidelines for e-waste management. The findings of this study provide practical guidelines for reforming Afghanistan’s national solid waste policy, including integrating Islamic principles, e-waste management, strengthening public-private partnerships, and waste separation and recycling mechanisms. Implementing these recommendations can improve the effectiveness of policy implementation, environmental protection, and public health. This study is the first comprehensive analytical review of Afghanistan’s national solid waste policy, assessing the policy from the perspective of public policy science, international best practices, Islamic principles, and the country’s current needs. Furthermore, the study’s key scientific innovation is to provide a practical framework for e-waste management, public-private partnerships, and policy reform.