Survey of Household Solid Waste Management and Waste Minimization in Malaysia: Awareness, Issues and Practices

Abstract

Effective solid waste management (SWM) is very crucial in every nation as it determines the sustainability of the environment and ensures the health of the society. This study examines households' awareness on household solid waste management and their opinion on the services provided by a solid waste management concessionaire in one of the regions in Malaysia. A survey on 398 respondents among households finds that the awareness on the privatization of SWM is acceptable and a majority of them are ignorant about the frequency of waste collection. However, the respondents' knowledge on waste and their understanding on the health consequences of waste are relatively good. The main problem expressed by respondents with respect to waste disposal is that collection schedules are not adhered to by the collectors. Disorderly disposal of rubbish is also perceived to be a problem, and a majority of the respondents believe that lack of awareness, knowledge and enforcement are the major causes of the problem. As far as waste minimization is concerned, respondents feel that the facilities and services provided are not adequate. Other than using the waste collection service, the households rarely practice other means of waste minimization such as to reuse, recycle, and compost. The role of regulators and concessionaires in educating the community so that the latter can play their role effectively is very crucial.