It is crucial to look at the solid waste management (SWM) support system of an initiative when designing, approving, implementing, and supporting it to ensure long-term success. This support system is referred to as the enabling framework, shaping the overall context in which an initiative exists. It can be characterised by understanding the institutional, legal, technical, environmental, financial and social aspects.

The framework conditions determine how the initiative functions in practice and how it can be developed in a specific context. Where SWM systems align with enabling conditions, they can scale more easily. Where they are misaligned, they face barriers to implementation, replication and long-term viability. Understanding the enabling framework conditions brings security of direction to invest in a specific initiative or technology.

The PSC programme has emphasised the importance of a strong enabling framework to ensure long-term impact. Interventions have focused on policy and regulation, sustainable financing mechanisms, and robust monitoring and assessment to support systemic change.