Years of conflict, mismanagement, and societal disengagement have left Kabul's waste management system in ruins. One of the most pressing problems facing the city is the disposal of solid waste. This problem is especially acute in Kabul, which has experienced rapid urban growth due to a large number of returnees and new urban dwellers and the increase in waste from previously growing economic activity.

It is exacerbated by the absence of an effective strategy to deal with the problem and the municipality's lack of capacity to respond. The capacity deficit is reflected in the estimated 70% of total solid waste that is accumulated on roadsides, back yards, in drains, rivers and open places, and represents a significant environmental hazard. It was estimated in 2020 that waste services could only be delivered to 52.5% of residents and out of the 2,527 tons of waste generated during each day, only 1,314 tons of waste could be collected.

Source: Analyzing Waste Management System Alternatives for Kabul City, Afghanistan: Considering Social, Environmental, and Economic Aspects. 2020. MDPI.  <https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239872>