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

Charles Ssemugabo,Solomon Tsebeni Wafula,Grace Biyinzika Lubega,Jimmy Osuret,Rawlance Ndejjo,Abdullah Ali Halage,David Musoke

doi:10.1155/2020/6807630

Charles Ssemugabo, Solomon Tsebeni Wafula + Show 5 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6807630

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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.

Highlights

Eight people died in low-lying slum communities in the outskirts of Kampala due to flash floods during the first rainy season of 2019 [1]. e flash floods were attributed to among others blockage of drainage channels with solid wastes
Cities around the world generate over 1.3 billion tonnes of waste annually, with this approximated to increase to 2.2 billion tonnes by 2025 [2]. is increase in the amount of solid waste generated is estimated to be much higher in developing countries due to rapid urbanization [3]
Approximately 28,000 tonnes of waste is collected in Kampala and delivered to the landfill every month, which accounts for only 40% of the total waste generated in the city [6]. e remainder of the waste generated is indiscriminately disposed of resulting in environmental and public health problems such as blockage of drainage channels and flush floods

Summary

Introduction

Eight people died in low-lying slum communities in the outskirts of Kampala due to flash floods during the first rainy season of 2019 [1]. e flash floods were attributed to among others blockage of drainage channels with solid wastes. Many of the households in slum communities have been reported to indiscriminately manage their waste. Is increase in the amount of solid waste generated is estimated to be much higher in developing countries due to rapid urbanization [3]. E remainder of the waste generated is indiscriminately disposed of resulting in environmental and public health problems such as blockage of drainage channels and flush floods. A third of the total waste generated in slum communities in Kampala is collected and disposed of to the landfill every month. Is study assessed the status of household solid waste management and associated factors in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda. E 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).

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