Solid Waste Capacity Index for Local Governments (SCIL) Fact Sheet

THE CHALLENGE
Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of plastic flows into the ocean. Most of that plastic comes from land-based sources in communities that are not able to sustain adequate solid waste management systems. Around the world, local governments play a critical role providing on-the-ground services to control waste, but they often lack the institutional capacity—the knowledge and skills, or the infrastructure and financial resources—to plan, build, and operate effective waste management systems.
Effective waste services require strong, empowered local governments with dedicated revenue sources and sufficient capacity to design and operate local waste systems. Currently, there are few tools and resources available to help governments determine what is needed to sustain a sound waste management system.

OUR APPROACH
USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean program supports local governments with the technical assistance and resources needed to develop and implement locally-led solid waste management systems that effectively manage waste in their cities, and prevent plastic from entering the ocean. Clean Cities, Blue Ocean works in ten countries and more than 25 cities across Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and the Caribbean to ensure that partner communities have a clear understanding of their capacity and an improved ability to provide waste management services.

SOLID WASTE CAPACITY INDEX FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Clean Cities, Blue Ocean created the Solid Waste Capacity Index for Local Governments (SCIL) assessment tool for local governments to self-assess their strengths and weaknesses—resulting in a set of scores that are used to develop a tangible plan to improve the areas that need it most.