Improper Solid Waste Disposal Research Articles

Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Hospital Waste Management at Capital’s Health Care Facility, Pakistan

The improper disposal of solid waste, particularly in developing countries, poses significant threats to the natural environment and public health, leading to increased pollution and disease prevalence. Hospital-generated solid waste, characterized by its heightened toxicity and contagion potential, further exacerbates these risks when mismanaged. This study undertakes an evaluation of the solid waste management (SWM) practices implemented at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital in Islamabad, with a specific focus on assessing their impact on the staff responsible for SWM. The data collection process encompasses on-site visits to check and compare the hospital wastes data available athospital servers as well as by the structured questionnaires. According to the gathered data, PIMS Hospital generates an annual total of 61,030 kilograms of hazardous waste and 254,866.9 kilograms of non-hazardous waste. Given its status as the capital's healthcare facility, PIMS Hospital maintains a well-established and satisfactorily functioning standard of SWM system. This system includes the segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at the point of generation, facilitated by a color-coded scheme. Non-hazardous waste is then transported to a secure covered storage site using specialized trolleys, while hazardous waste is safely disposed of through the utilization of on-site, double-chambered incinerators. Data analysis underscores the heightened occupational risks faced by SWM personnel, including an increased likelihood of sharp injuries, and disease exposure, as well as the prevalent experience of stress and anxiety. The study's findings necessitate the imperative adoption of standardized practices for the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of solid waste by the involved staff. Furthermore, a critical recommendation arises from the need for routine health monitoring of SWM workers by qualified medical professionals through established mechanisms to mitigate the potential transmission of diseases to their family members. Such measures are paramount in safeguarding the health and well-being of both the SWM staff and the broader community.

Critically High Burden of Acute Malnutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Children Under 5 Years in the Rural Settings of Southern Ethiopia.

Globally, acute malnutrition threatens the lives of several million children under 5 years of age. Malnutrition affects the social, economic, and medical aspects of all countries. In Ethiopia, acute malnutrition is not decreasing at the intended rate for unclear reasons. This study aimed to assess the burden of acute malnutrition and its associated factors among children under 5 years of age in a rural setting of southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 421 children. Mothers/caretakers were interviewed using interviewer-administered questionnaire, while their children's height/length and weight were measured. Logistic regression analyses were used and presented as the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The burden of acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age in the study area was 22.6% (95% CI = 18.5-26.8). Fathers with primary education (AOR = 4.48; 95% CI = 1.93-10.39), households with improper solid waste disposal (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.11-5.82), not usually sleeping under insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.01-3.19), unacceptable children dietary diversity score (DDS) (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.28-5.14), and unacceptable household DDS (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.02-5.00) were factors associated with acute malnutrition. The prevalence of acute malnutrition among children was critically high. Upgrading paternal educational status, encouraging safe solid waste disposal, ensuring consistent use of ITN, and improving both child and household DDS should be stressed.

Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Salem District Using Decision Making Test and Evaluation Laboratory Method

Access to safe drinking water is one of the basic human rights and is essential for a healthy life. The present study, in drinking water in Salem district analyzed the concentration and health risks of various pollutants. From bore Wells, tube wells and Water samples were collected by hand pumps. Improper disposal of sewage and solid waste, excessive use of agrochemicals and poor condition of pipe network and transport Drinking water is a major source of pollution. Contamination of water with coli form bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and viral hepatitis They said that it is a major source of water-borne diseases. To reduce health risks, using drinking water from contaminated sources immediate cessation is necessary. Agricultural chemicals that cause water pollution Avoid overuse. The present study examines factors influencing the selection of SCM suppliers Aims to analyze and decide. For decision-making and evaluation system using the Neutrosophic Model (DEMATEL). To improve DEMATEL performance and to achieve competitive advantage considered a proactive approach. This study uses neutrosophic set theory, Mark each value using a new scale. A case study implementing the proposed method is presented. Interviewing experts in NeutrosophicDemodel data collection study this research is designed for management, procurement and production. In terms of drinking water quality, R+C Omalur ranked first and Sankari ranked lowest. Ri-C Sankari ranked first and Omalur ranked lowest in terms of drinking water quality.

Investigating waste in the ambit of environmental sociology in Bhubaneswar, India

ABSTRACT Rapid urbanization brings along with it an array of challenges including housing issues, traffic congestion, proliferation of slums, water and sanitation issues, poor air quality, increased crimes, unemployment and problems of waste management. Water and air pollution due to improper disposal of solid waste poses significant threat to urban health and thereby resulting in poor living conditions. Solid waste has been studied extensively by natural scientists, ecologists, and conservation scientists. However, the study makes an attempt to analyze the sociological aspects of solid waste in urban space. With the help of the theoretical lens of political-ecology and actor-network theories, the current study uncovers the linkages, conflicts, and power relations between political, and social components of the solid waste management issues in the Indian city of Bhubaneswar. Resorting to mixed method and obtaining relevant date through survey, semi-structured interview schedule, and ethnography, the study locates power relations between caste, class, and gender groups, resulting in ‘urban metabolism.’ Waste has also become hybrid due to heterogeneity, relationalities, multiplicities, and framing. The study suggests that recognizing and empowering underrepresented actors can actively shape and meaningfully reorient waste discourse in Bhubaneswar.

Comparison Of Sewage And Solid Waste Disposal Methods Among Households In Urban And Rural Local Government Areas Of Anambra State

Improper sewage and solid waste disposal lead to environmental pollution and increased risk of communicable diseases. This study compared the sanitation and solid waste disposal facilities utilized in selected rural and urban local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1310 households and data was collected from household heads or a designated adult representative using of quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (KII) data collection methods. The independent variables in this study are the sociodemographic variables and the geographical location of the respondents while the dependent variables are the toilet facilities and solid waste disposal methods. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using the SPSS version 23 and the hypotheses were tested with the inferential statistics of Chi square at 0.05 level of significance. Most respondents lie between the age group of 31-50 years. Most of the respondents in both the urban (84.4%) and rural(65.0%) areas had secondary education and above but a higher proportion in the urban compared to rural have tertiary education(41.9% versus 22.1%). The difference in educational status was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). There were more business men (46.6%) and civil servants (38.8%) in the urban area than the rural area. Most rural respondents were farmers(41.5%). Many urban household use toilet with sewer connection 152(11.7%) while pit latrine with slab is the most commonly used toilet facility 242 (18.6%). Burning was more commonly used by the rural households (n = 266, 20.5%). Open dumping of refuse and disposal into gullies and water ways were commonly done by the urban households. The gaps that exist between rural and urban areas of Anambra state may present serious health risk and environmental degradation .This issues can be addressed through health education, building more sanitary infrastructure to include the rural areas and enforcing sanitation laws.
 

Optimized landfill site selection for municipal solid waste by integrating GIS and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) technique, Hossana town, southern Ethiopia

Improper solid waste disposal has remained the major bottleneck for the socio-economic development particularly in urban and peri-urban areas of Ethiopia. This study was conducted with the prime aim of identifying an optimum municipal solid waste (MSW) management option subsequently selecting the best landfill site in Hossana town using integrated geographical information systems (GIS) and multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques. Accordingly, GIS integrated with MCDA was used to analyze the relative weight of each criterion and the overall suitability map where ten criteria were considered within their respective constraints. To create a landfill suitability index, environmental and socioeconomic factors such as distance from settlement, land use and land cover, lineament, slope, road, and wind direction/aspect were weighted. Population growth, waste generation rate, and waste volume/year were used to calculate the required landfill size. The study finding revealed that the town's MSW generation rate was 0.45 kg/cap/day, which was within the range of most of Ethiopian urban areas. On the other hand, the total daily and annual MSW generation was found to be 79.58 and 29,047 tonnes, respectively. Moreover, the study's findings revealed that 20.8 % of the solid waste was found was recyclable and the remaining 79.20 % was non-recyclable. Considering the future trend of waste generation, 19 ha of land in the city's Northern and Southern outskirts was chosen as a candidate landfill site with all the necessary suitability analysis. Therefore, optimized landfill site selection and better management system of MSW in urban and peri-urban areas could be achieved by the conjunctive application of MCDA and GIS.

Vulnerability Study by DRASTIC Method for Eocene and Turonian Aquifers in the Tadla Plain

In numerous regions across Morocco, groundwater quality has undergone a significant decline in recent years, primarily due to factors such as agricultural expansion, improper solid waste disposal, and industrialization. This study presents an analysis of the vulnerability of two primary shallow aquifers, namely the Turonian and Eocene. The vulnerability assessment entails the evaluation of the aquifers' susceptibility to various forms of surface pollution, based on the physical characteristics of their surroundings. Within the Moroccan context, the DRASTIC method, integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), emerges as the most suitable approach. This method involves the processing and analysis of seven factors pertaining to the three soil compartments, encompassing land cover, the unsaturated zone, and the saturated zone. Each chosen parameter is assigned a weight, reflecting its significance concerning groundwater protection. Notably, the water table's depth and the nature of the vadose zone exert the most substantial influence, followed by factors like recharge. Conversely, topography exhibits minimal impact, with soil type following suit. Lastly, the nature of the aquifer medium and its conductivity carry a moderate degree of influence. Each parameter is further categorized into classes, each defined by a specific rating. To derive an all-encompassing measure of vulnerability, the weights and scores of these various factors are synthesized through an additive model, yielding the comprehensive "DRASTIC Index." Subsequently, this index is employed to assess the intrinsic vulnerability level of the Turonian and Eocene aquifers by superimposing the seven index maps.

Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in Salem District Using Decision Making Test and Evaluation Laboratory Method

Access to safe drinking water is one of the basic human rights and is essential for a healthy life. The present study, in drinking water in Salem district analyzed the concentration and health risks of various pollutants. From bore Wells, tube wells and Water samples were collected by hand pumps. Improper disposal of sewage and solid waste, excessive use of agrochemicals and poor condition of pipe network and transport Drinking water is a major source of pollution. Contamination of water with coli form bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery and viral hepatitis They said that it is a major source of water-borne diseases. To reduce health risks, using drinking water from contaminated sources immediate cessation is necessary. Agricultural chemicals that cause water pollution Avoid overuse. The present study examines factors influencing the selection of SCM suppliers Aims to analyze and decide. For decision-making and evaluation system using the Neutrosophic Model (DEMATEL). To improve DEMATEL performance and to achieve competitive advantage considered a proactive approach. This study uses neutrosophic set theory, Mark each value using a new scale. A case study implementing the proposed method is presented. Interviewing experts in Neutrosophic Demodel data collection study this research is designed for management, procurement and production. In terms of drinking water quality, R+C Omalur ranked first and Sankari ranked lowest. Ri-C Sankari ranked first and Omalur ranked lowest in terms of drinking water quality.

Spatial Distribution of Heavy Element in Erbil's Municipal Landfills by Using GIS

Untreated municipal solid waste (MSW) release onto land is prevalent in developing countries. To reduce the high levels of harmful components in polluted soils, a proper evaluation of heavy metal concentrations in Erbil's Kani Qrzhala dump between August 2021 and February 2022 is required. The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of improper solid waste disposal on soil properties within a landfill by assessing the risks of contamination for eight heavy elements in two separate layers of the soil by using geoaccumulation index (I-geo) and pollution load index (PLI) supported. The ArcGIS software was employed to map the spatial distribution of heavy element pollution and potential ecological risks. The I-geo values in summer varied from -1.700 to 3.560 for Zn, 5.045 to 8.175 for Cd, 2.318 to 4.329 for Pb, 0 to 3.374 for Mn, 1.439 to 3.880 for Ni, 0.638 to 2.278 for Cu, -0.541 to 2.665 for Cr, and -2.495 to 0.778 for Hg. Based on the I-geo categorization, the contamination levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Hg ranged from uncontaminated to extremely contaminated. However, all metals were assessed as uncontaminated throughout winter, except I-geo (Cd) and I- geo (Ni) varied from -0.467 to 3.966 and -5.720 to 2.015 were classified from as uncontaminated to strong and uncontaminated to moderately/strongly contaminated respectively. According to the PLI category, most samples were rated as "highly polluted" during summer, but during the rainy season, all samples were rated as "unpolluted".

Effect of Climate Change and Human Activities on Surface and Ground Water Quality in Major Cities of Pakistan

In this study, climate change and human impacts on water quality in five major urban areas of Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Abbottabad, and Gilgit, were determined. Secondary data on various physical, chemical, and bacteriological water quality parameters were taken from published papers, reports, and theses. Surface and groundwater were the major sources of drinking water in these cities. The physicochemical parameters were total turbidity, pH, dissolved solids (TDS), sulphates, chlorides, calcium, sodium, HCO3, potassium, magnesium, nitrates, fluorides, arsenic, and hardness. The bacteriological parameters were total coliform, total faecal coliform, and total plate counts. The data revealed that pH, TDS, fluoride, chloride, HCO3, sodium, and hardness were above the limits in Karachi. MCB Market, Goth Ibrahim, and Malir Town were the main contaminated areas in Karachi. In Lahore, arsenic was found above the limits in all sampling locations. Turbidity, pH, HCO3, calcium, magnesium, and hardness were found above the limits in Peshawar. In Gilgit city, all physicochemical parameters were found within the limits except turbidity, which was 10 NTU in Nomal valley. Nitrates were higher in the water sources in Abbottabad. Bacterial contamination was found in the water of all five cities. Most of the studies revealed that this contamination could be human-induced. The improper disposal of solid waste, sewage, and animal waste and the excessive use of fertilisers deteriorate the quality of the water. Precipitation, a rise in temperature, and seasonal variation are climate variables that affect water quality and are responsible for major outbreaks of waterborne diseases. There is an urgent need for regular analysis, proper management, and proper treatment of drinking water before it is supplied to the local community in these cities.

Waste Management for Zero Liquid and Solid Waste in Campus Buildings

Abstract: The population is growing fast, the economy is thriving, and urban development and occupational expansion is leading to an increase in the production of liquid and solid waste in buildings. Zero liquid and solid waste is an innovative approach for addressing the waste issues in our society. The three precepts of "reduce,” “reuse," and "recycle" (3R) were adapted to make the goal of zero waste a more valuable and efficient choice for sustainable creation. It is also expected that by 2030, India will be water-stressed, and solid waste generation statistics show an increase of 165 million in the municipal solid waste. Developing countries such as India lag behind developed countries in the waste management of zero liquid and solid waste. These countries employ advanced technologies and efficient management techniques. The primary causes of liquid and solid waste include lack of awareness and knowledge regarding issues with water scarcity, on-site liquid waste water treatment and improper solid waste disposal strategies. If the current waste management situation is allowed to continue, environmental sustainability and quality of life is bound to decline rapidly. There is a need to act immediately to protect the environment and its resources for future generations and to help the poor live better lives. The objective of this study is to conduct a pilot study that aims to provide valuable insights for the implementation of sustainable practices in various types of campuses, including commercial, institutional, and residential campuses.

Agro-Industrial Waste of Malt Bagasse: Perspectives on the Development of Eco-Friendly Ceramic Material

The construction sector is increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives in its processes worldwide, with a particular focus on the production of eco-friendly materials. Additionally, the improper disposal of solid waste is rapidly increasing, particularly in the agro-industry, including the waste generated from beer processing such as malt bagasse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to incorporate malt bagasse residue into ceramic materials at varying proportions (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15%) as a partial substitute for clay, submitted to different sintering temperatures (750, 850, 950, and 1050 °C). The raw materials, namely ceramic mass and malt bagasse, were characterized based on their chemical properties (XRF, loss of fire, and elemental analysis), physical properties (grain size, Atterberg limits), and mineralogical properties (XRD) characteristics. The properties of the ceramics, both with and without the incorporation of waste, were evaluated using dilatometry, apparent density, apparent porosity, water absorption, linear shrinkage, and tensile strength. The compositions that exhibited the best sintering temperatures were subjected to microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Significant differences were observed in the properties of the ceramic material, particularly in terms of linear shrinkage and apparent porosity. It was concluded that as the amount of malt bagasse residue incorporated increased, the mechanical properties of the pieces decreased. The incorporation of 15% residue resulted in the lowest performance, primarily due to a greater loss of mass. However, it should be noted that the incorporation of up to 5% malt bagasse for all the studied temperatures can still be considered acceptable, as it meets the minimum recommended value of 1.5 MPa for masonry ceramic components. This incorporation of malt bagasse contributes to both the technological and environmental aspects of civil construction.

Studies on Variations in Physico-chemical, Biochemical and Biological Characteristics at Different Maturity Stages of Segregated and Unsegregated Urban Solid Waste of Drum Compost

Improper disposal of solid waste is one of the main causes of environmental pollution. Converting solid waste into compost and using it as an organic fertilizer in agriculture are an effective waste management method. Quality of such fertilizer may affect both human and environmental health. Therefore, in this study, compost from segregated and unsegregated urban solid waste compost was analyzed for its physical-chemical, biochemical, biological characteristics and the results were compared with the standards. In this descriptive-analytical study, compost samples were collected throughout a 3-month period at intervals of 20 days (2 methods, S1-Segregated, S2-Unsegregated urban compost) for physio-chemical analysis. In the present study, physical parameters such as moisture content, temperature and bulk density were 23.65%, 31 (°C) and 1.01 (g/cm-3). Chemical parameters such as pH, EC, C/N ratio, organic carbon, Total Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pd and Cr content were 7.75, 1.12 (dS m-1), 17.78, 29.16, 1.64, 0.45, 1.11, 1.47, 0.74, 0.76%, 3529.11, 350.67, 41.11 and 118.07(mg kg-1), respectively. The heavy metal concentration viz., nickel, lead, chromium content were 12.75, 23.87 and 12.53 (mg kg-1), respectively. Heavy metals concentration was detected at all the decomposition stages of composting and were to found to be within the permissible limits of Ohai-EAP standards. From the results, it can be concluded that, segregated urban waste composting could produce acceptable quality of compost, which can be used as fertilizer or soil amendment.

Implementation of disaster risk reduction management activities in flood-prone communities of a highly urbanized city in Central Visayas

Implementation of disaster risk reduction management activities in flood-prone communities of a highly urbanized city in Central Visayas

Women and Solid Waste Management in High-density Areas: The Case of Hatcliffe, Harare, Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean government has for a while been reeling under pressure from inadequate resources for waste management mainly due to the expansion of its cities. The study explored household waste management in Hatcliffe Extension, a high-density suburb in Harare, and sought to identify dominant household solid waste management disposal systems by women. The study aim was to explore women’s experiences of solid waste management in the face of poor service delivery in refuse collection. Qualitative research methodology was employed to collect data in the study from conveniently sampled participants. In-depth interviews and observations were the instruments utilised for data collection. The study draws from the Rational Choice Theory to understand human behaviour in relation to people’s choices on suitable and sustainable practices in solid waste management and the environment. The study reveals lack of education and knowledge and poor refuse collection by responsible authorities as driving the disposal of diverse waste materials such as paper, diapers and plastic packages, which have heightened solid waste generation in the area. Dominant household solid waste management disposal systems in Hartcliffe Extension include illegal dumping, open burning, and burying of the waste materials. Overall, Hartcliffe Extension residents practise improper solid waste disposal systems due to lack of collection services from the Harare city council, which is the authority responsible for solid waste management. The study also established various ways in which poorly managed solid waste poses a threat to the environment. The study recommends the education of residents on eco-friendly waste disposal measures that do not pose a threat either to both human beings or the environment.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on household solid waste management and associated factors in Gelemso town, Ethiopia.

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban cities of developing countries is the source of environmental pollution and public health concern. This study aimed to assess the households' knowledge, attitudes and practices of solid waste management and associated factors in Gelemso town. A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the households' KAP of SWM in Gelemso town. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 390 households from Gelemso town and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 software. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to predict the improper SWM practices. From 390 households included in the study, 61.3% of them were females. Generally, most households had correct knowledge and positive attitudes towards SWM but poor practice was observed in the study area. About 96% of the households considered solid waste as a source of environmental pollution and close to 92% of them replied that solid waste can be used for compost preparation. Majority (87.4%) of the households "strongly agreed" about the potential risk associated with improper solid waste disposal and nearly 80% of them also "strongly agreed" that proper SWM is crucial to create a healthy environment in the community. Nearly 80% had practiced improper SWM. Logistic regression analyses indicated that lack of experience in sorting solid waste, ways of removal, knowledge about reduce, reuse and recycle, absence of adequate solid waste landfills, and lack of door-to-door waste collections services were identified as the major contributing factors for the improper SWM practice in Gelemso town. In conclusion, the majority of the households had practiced improper SWM, such as disposing of solid waste in the backyard, along the roadsides, in gully and burned. These malpractices can significantly affect the environment and public health of the residents.

Impact of knowledge and perception of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on the health behavior patterns of rural residents in India

Background and Aim of Study: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was launched by the Prime Minister of India to accelerate the efforts for achieving universal sanitation. To ensure adequate participation, community must be sensitized about the mission objectives and its role in bringing the desired change. The aim of the study: to assess the knowledge, perception and practices regarding SBA among rural people, and to study the association between their socio epidemiological factors and awareness regarding SBA. Material and Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted for duration of 6 months (April to September 2021) at a rural area of south Tamilnadu. A sample of 250 subjects was included and was administered a predesigned, pretested, semi structured questionnaire. The responses were recorded and appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: Mean age group of our study participants was 47.6 ± 9.8 years. Television 126 (50.4%) and newspaper 41 (16.4%) were found to be the main source of information about SBA. This study showed out of 250 participants, 142 (56.8%) of them had good knowledge and 174 (69.6%) had good perception score. Our study found a statistical significant association between educational status and level of knowledge and perception score. Conclusions: The present study found that majority of the subjects were aware of SBA and were having positive attitude and perception but very less practicing in our day today life. Increasing awareness regarding health hazards of open-air defecation and improper disposal of solid waste will create a change in their behavior in adopting healthy lifestyle.

Households’ Waste Disposal Practices and Its Impact on Health

Waste management has been a worldwide concern today. India being the most populous country the rate of waste generation is also increasing rapidly. The problem of waste management has become a serious issue due to improper disposal of waste. The present study was conducted to examine the existing disposal practices of household waste. An Exploratory research design was used to conduct the present study with 60 respondents. Information on various types of waste, frequency of waste disposal and methods of waste disposal were obtained through the structured interview schedule. It was observed that majority of the respondents complain about the ill effects of improper disposal of solid waste. More than 80 per cent have collectively said that it causes infectious diseases, unpleasant odour and unclean surroundings. Through the study, it was observed that respondents are disposing the household waste by just throwing away outside the house. Burning of waste is also the most common practice followed by the respondents to clean their surroundings. Findings revealed that even though respondents have knowledge on waste management but their practice towards disposal of dry waste is poor. Age and family size were negatively correlated with waste disposal practices while education has a significant positive correlation with waste disposal practices.

Solid Waste Disposal Practices Among Rural Community in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia

Nowadays, improper solid waste disposal is a severe issue due to its impacts on environment, social, and economic sustainability. This manuscript aims to identify the knowledge and awareness of the rural community in Kg Tok Uban, Pasir Mas, Kelantan about solid waste disposal. Besides that, the socio-demographic factors that influence the knowledge and awareness of respondents have also been explored. The data was collected using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 232 respondents participated in this study through the convenience sampling method. The findings indicated that most respondents have good knowledge of proper solid waste disposal. Besides that, this study also revealed that most respondents have a good awareness of the impact of improper solid waste disposal. However, this study found that the respondents have moderate solid waste disposal practices. Even though people have good awareness and knowledge, it doesn’t lead them to good practices in solid waste disposal. Different gender, age, and income of respondents are significantly influence the knowledge and awareness of respondents. The findings of this study are significant for local governments to strive toward effective solid waste management in rural areas.

Pseudo Panel Analysis of Waste Disposal and Household Health Expenditure in Ghana: The Role of Institutions

This study analyzed the effect of waste disposal on household health expenditure in Ghana by using Pseudo Panel technique to inform policy. It further analyzed the role institutions play in dealing with waste disposal and household health expenditure in Ghana. Numerous empirical studies have been carried out on waste disposal. However, these empirical studies did not focus on examining the effect of waste disposal on household health expenditure in Ghana. The study employs pseudo panel constructed from repeated cross sectional data from Ghana Living Standard Surveys (5, 6 &7) to achieve this objective. The System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) is employed to estimate the model. Results from the study indicates that, improper solid waste disposal leads to the spread of diseases like malaria, cholera, diarrhoea, dengue and others. This leads to the increase in the health expenditure of these households. However, when solid waste disposal is interacted with institutions (Faith Based Organizations), it reduces household health expenditure. The study recommends that, government institutions should complement the efforts of these Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) to help achieve higher positive outcome. Keywords: Solid waste disposal, liquid waste disposal, household health expenditure, pseudo panel, institutions DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/89-04 Publication date: November 30 th 2022