Status of Household Solid Waste Management and Associated Factors in a Slum Community in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Background. Only a third of the total waste generated in slum communities in Kampala is collected and disposed of to the landfill every month. This study assessed the status of household solid waste management and associated factors in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda. Methods. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study involving 395 households using a semistructured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Proper solid waste management was determined based on possession of waste collection and storage receptacle; collection receptacle ability to minimise nuisances (covered); segregation of waste; presence of flies and other vectors; and collection receptacle fill status. Prevalence rate ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used as a measure of association. Results. Only, 41.3% (163/395) of the households exhibited proper waste management practices. The majority of the households 85.8% (339/395) owned solid waste storage receptacles, most of which were sacs 61.7% (209/339) and would minimise nuisances 72.9% (245/339). The main type of waste collected was biodegradable materials 56.7% (224/395). The majority of the households 78.7% (311/395) did not segregate their waste. Solid waste was mainly transported to the collection point by pulling the collecting sac 54.4% (215/395). The city authority 73.9% (292/395) and private companies 12.9% (51/395) were the major entities collecting waste. Factors associated with proper waste management were collecting waste in plastic containers (adjusted PR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.04–1.55)), polythene bags (adjusted PR = 0.26, 95% CI (0.14–0.47)), and paper bags or metallic bins (adjusted PR = 0.13, 95% CI (0.03–0.44)) as well as awareness of solid waste management laws (adjusted PR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.20–1.85)) and the dangers of improper solid waste management (adjusted PR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.51–3.06)). Conclusion. Solid waste management was generally poor. As such, a cascade of interventions that address knowledge, physical, and behavioural aspects of solid waste management is required to improve its management in slum communities.

Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices,challenges and Improvement Strategies Forhouseholds and Waste Managers in Southsouth Nigeria

“…So also, in solid waste management, it is not surprising that persons with no formal education may encounter little or no challenge in solid waste management as he or she may not even be aware of what the right thing should be. The findings are in line with the findings of Ssemugabo et al (2020) in Kampala, Uganda, who found that gender, age, education level, marital status, religion, and occupation of the household head, were not significantly associated with households solid waste management status, including the challenges. The findings, therefore, signify that ignorance and lack of awareness due to a lower education level may be a limiting factor to individuals with no formal education in adopting the best practices for solid waste management.…”

The Status of Household Solid Waste Management and its Associated Factors in Fiche Town, North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

“…26 This study shows that 78.4% of the city’s residents practice poor solid waste management. The high level of inappropriate solid waste management practices is consistent with the results of studies conducted in Assela 82.8%, 10 Uganda 58.7%, 23 Ghana 82 .7%, 22 Gondar 69.7%, 13 and in Nigeria 83.3%. 27 This could be explained by differences in the research context, the development of the study site, and the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents.…”

“…Households scoring 6 points or less (⩽66.7%) were classified as having improper (poor) waste management practices and those scoring above 6 (>77.8%) were classified as having proper (good) waste management practices. 23 …”

Assessment of Solid Waste Management at Source in Compliance With Guidelines

“…Solid Waste Management Practices at Source Associated with Compliance with GuidelinesThis study found that only 37.9% of the participants practiced household solid waste management in compliance with guidelines, comparable to ndings bySsemugabo et al (2020) in which only 41.3% of the households exhibited proper waste management practices. 63.9% of households practiced waste reduction and 80.3% re-use, 12.1% practiced responsible disposal but 41.2% irresponsibly burnt waste.…”