A study on environmental waste management practices: a technology foresight perspective

Current rapid growth of the industrial sector is causing significant pollution of the environment and people’s surroundings. One of the biggest challenges in urban areas within Malaysia is managing solid waste, especially in areas where industries and housing estates are developing rapidly as the economy grows. The objective of this research is to identify trends in environmental waste management practices among manufacturing industries for the subsequent five years using a foresight study. This research uses qualitative methods. STEEPV analysis was used to identify issues and drivers based on the trends and issues, categorized under Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, Political and Values. Five interviews were conducted within manufacturing industries in Batu Pahat, Johor. Impact-uncertainty analysis was used to determine impacts and uncertainties regarding the determination of future waste management practices in Batu Pahat. The two key drivers with the most significant impact and uncertainty were determined to be environmental concerns and rapid industrialization. Four possible scenarios are highlighted in this study. In a nutshell, related parties such as the government, industrial companies and stakeholders should take initial steps to avoid the worsening of pollution and save the earth for the next generations