Factors contributing to improper solid waste disposal in the slum areas of Bwaise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to improper solid waste disposal among female headed households in Bwaise. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study with a quantitative approach which was used to generate the required information from the study respondents using structured questionnaires administered to 120 selected females of Bwaise where 115 questionnaires were returned fully responded to. The findings revealed a number of factors that contributed to improper solid waste disposal such as inadequate collection facilities, lack of dumping sites and few temporary disposal sites, and population increase among others. Further showed that 54.7% used door to door garbage collection services. Although, 24.3% disposed waste at the temporary disposal site, 7.8% disposed the waste on the road and 1.7% burnt the waste in the compound and these were improper waste management practices, which had a significant negative impact on the quality of waste management in the region. The most generated type of waste were food residuals (69.1%) followed by paper waste (25.2%). Garbage collection services were mostly used by the married (59.5%). BehaviouruRs that were considered inappropriate for waste disposal were disposing waste in the ditch and in the trenches (62.8% and 45.5%) respectively which was mostly practiced by single women. Education was a factor in improper waste disposal. Respondents showed a high concern for the problem in addition to the willingness to participate in waste management, suggesting the need for massive sensitization. Awareness raising to community members about the risks associated with poor waste management, as well as their mobilization for action.