Waste Disposal Practices in Low-Income Settlements of South Africa.

Lorren Kirsty Haywood,Caradee Yael Wright,Thandi Kapwata,Gregory Breetzke,Suzan Oelofse

doi:10.3390/ijerph18158176

Abstract

Domestic solid waste is rapidly increasing due to accelerated population growth and urbanization. Improper waste disposal poses potential health risks and environmental concerns. Here, we investigated waste disposal practices in relation to household/dwelling characteristics in South African low-income communities. Data for 2014 to 2019 from a community-orientated primary care program were analyzed using logistic regression. Families who reported living in a shack were more likely to dump waste in the street. Households who reported using non-electric sources of fuel for heating/cooking, those who lacked proper sanitation, and those who did not have access to piped water inside the dwelling were more likely to dispose of waste by dumping it in the street/in the yard or burying it. Families living in low-income settlements are at risk of solid waste exposure and this situation is exacerbated by poor access to piped water, proper sanitation, and electricity.

Highlights

Given the potential relations between household and dwelling characteristics and waste on individuals living in low-income communities, this study investigated waste waste management, as well as the possible environmental health risks of uncollected waste disposal practices, e.g., formal waste collection, illegal dumping, burying or burning of waste, in relation to household and dwelling characteristics practices, e.g., formal waste collection, illegal dumping, among individuals living in low-income communities in South Africa
Several as dumping in the street (Figure 2)/yard, and/or burning or burying waste in the yard. Reasons for these anomalies may exist despite a formal waste management system existing. Several reasons for these anomalies may exist despite a formal waste management system For example, other studies suggest that formal waste collection can be erratic in low-income existing
Households living in low-income settlements in South Africa are at risk as a result of poor waste collection service delivery

Summary

Introduction

In South Africa, municipal solid waste is rapidly increasing due to accelerated population growth, rapid urbanization, and economic activities, while municipal service delivery is struggling to keep up [1,2,3,4,5]. While this waste stream commonly includes business waste, building and demolition waste, and garden refuse, it is the accumulation of domestic waste within settlements that has consequences on the health of people living predominantly in low-income communities [5,6]. Containers must be removed within 24-h of being reported full, but at least once a week to avoid fly breeding under South African climate conditions [10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion