Analysis of practices and factors of solid waste management among urban households of Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

Abstract

The management of solid waste is crucial for urban areas to prevent the spread of diseases, reduce pollution, enhance cleanliness, promote resource recovery, and create employment opportunities. This study aims to examine the practices and factors related to the management of solid waste among urban households in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia. A survey was conducted with 200 participants from four districts in two sub-cities. The survey utilized an interview questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the multinomial logit regression model. The results indicate that various factors such as gender, age, education, employment status, income, family size, and attitude significantly influence the selection of solid waste disposal methods by households. Gender significantly influences the preference for nearby containers over open spaces when it comes to waste disposal. Females are 7.55 times more inclined than males to choose nearby containers instead of open spaces. Age also plays a substantial role, with respondents aged 46-64 being 604 times more likely to utilize nearby containers. Respondents aged 65 and above are 69 times more likely, while respondents aged 31-45 are three times more likely to use nearby containers. Education level is also a significant factor, as individuals holding college diploma or higher degree are more likely to opt for nearby containers and door-to-door pickers rather than open spaces. Retired individuals are less likely to utilize door-to-door pickers compared to government employees. The decision between nearby containers and open spaces for waste disposal is influenced also by family size. The likelihood of choosing nearby containers decreases by 45% with each unit increase in family size. Attitude also plays a role in the preference for door-to-door pickers over open spaces. The likelihood of using door-to-door pickers increases by 64% for each unit increase in attitude. Individuals with higher incomes are unexpectedly inclined towards using open spaces as a method of waste disposal, possibly due to their increased consumption levels, resulting in higher generation of solid waste in their households. To promote a clean, healthy, and sustainable urban environment, the government needs to formulate and implement solid waste management strategies that effectively consider the specific demographic and socio-economic characteristics of households.