Dynamic model of municipal solid waste management from households in Sukuta Nema, The Gambia

Abstract

Improper waste management is a global concern, especially in developing countries where population growth is increasing. Improper waste management is increasingly becoming a global problem that requires a holistic approach to avert health consequences. This research aims to estimate the generation, reduction and disposal of solid waste from households in Sukuta Nema, The Gambia, in the next 25 years. An analytic observation with a cross-sectional design and a dynamic model approach and data from observations in the field were used—a sample size of 125 households was drawn using random sampling. The results showed that household waste generation in Sukuta Nema was 2.07 kg/house/day or 0.0083 m3/house/day. Household waste from Sukuta Nema is predominantly organic, with a proportion of 80.71%. Inorganic waste constitutes about 19.29%. Based on the model scenario for 25 years (2021-2046), the results show that the estimated average rate of waste reduction through waste banks is 5.84%, the rate of waste reduction through composting scenarios is 64.20%, and the rate of waste reduction through a combined scenario between a waste bank and composting is 70.04%. The best waste management tool to use ineffective waste reduction is the combination scenario.