Solid waste management: The disposal behavior of poor people living in Gaza Strip refugee camps

Abstract

Solid waste management (SWM) services present a challenge in the Gaza Strip (GS), where the infrastructure is inadequate and currently operating landfills are overloaded. This paper examines the solid waste disposal behavior of poor people living in GS refugee camps. A total of 180 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted in the eight camps to collect primary data relevant to SWM and to provide a novel account of the routine events, decisions, emotions, and cognitions related to the disposal of basic household items. A majority of the interviewees (88%) perceive a link between their wellbeing and proper waste disposal behavior. The respondents are aware of the adverse impact of improper waste disposal on their health and the surrounding environment, and, despite their limited financial resources, they expressed a willingness to pay for proper SWM services. Current waste disposal practices do not involve separating waste, and heads of households are not keen on encouraging their family members to do so. Only a small fraction of the interviewees (23%) are aware of any environmental initiatives although all confirmed their concern about the underlying environmental and health issues. All interviewees expressed their substantial dissatisfaction with current disposal practices, and the findings reveal that the interviewees who engage in pro-environmental behavior are more content. Poor people living in camps tend to dispose of their possessions in three main ways: giving away, throwing away, and selling their items. These methods should be further investigated to assess their feasibility with regard to overcoming the current SWM challenge.