Assessing the environmental, health and economic effects of illegal dumping of wastes on the environment: case study Kampala district

Abstract

Generation of wastes is an inevitable occurrence as societies endeavor to exist and develop within the different socioeconomic clusters of life. The study was conducted in communities around Rubaga division in Kampala city. The aim of the study was to assess the environmental, health and economic effects of illegal dumping sites on the environment. The specific objectives of the study were to (i) identify the most common and generated types of wastes generated in the study area (ii) investigate the methods of disposal in the study area (iii) examine the major reasons influencing choice of disposal method in the study area and lastly (iv) analyze the effects (environmental, health and economic) of illegal dumping sites. Data was collected using in-depth-interviews as well as focused group discussions held with selected households in Rubaga division. In-depth interviews and focused group discussion responses were categorized into themes in line with the study objectives and were possible descriptive statistics were generated. Results indicated that household wastes were the most generated wastes in the study area. The most common methods of disposal included illegal dumping sites, burning and use of pits. While factors behind choice of method were space, cheap costs and few and distant legal dumping sites. It is recommended that communities be allocated designated nearby dumping sites that permit regular collection of wastes.