Solid Waste Management Practices Research Articles

Towards sustainable practices: Evaluating student engagement in solid waste management at A’sharqiyah University, Oman

Mass consumption combined with urbanization causes massive waste production, contamination of the environment, and problems for public health. Over half of the sustainable development goals are addressed by tackling solid waste management (SWM) challenges. There are significant risks to the SWM in universities and higher education institutes due to students’ low understanding and involvement in waste segregation and recycling practices. Thus, this study assesses the level of awareness of students at A’Sharqiyah University, Oman, in terms of SWM practices and waste segregation. A quantitative research methodology using an online survey was applied. The survey collected information on demographic data, awareness and attitudes toward SWM, waste generation, and the ability to gain more knowledge about these practices through participation in awareness programs. Results show that 72.3% of students have knowledge of SWM practices. However, a concerning 33.65% lacked awareness or knowledge in this area. Furthermore, 78.6% of students expressed interest in participating in awareness programs to enhance their understanding of SWM. This study is considered a preliminary screening, and the next step will be the application of an extensive program for all students and following up about solid waste disposal and segregation methods in students’ hostels.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON WASTE MANAGEMENT: EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE WASTE DISPOSAL

The research focused on assessing the waste disposal practices of residents and the waste management initiatives of the barangay council or community in Hugpa, Biliran. It specifically examined respondents' solid waste management practices in areas such as segregation, waste reduction, recycling and reuse, as well as the community's waste management activities. To collect data, the study employed a survey questionnaire as the primary instrument. A total of 30 respondents participated in the data collection process. The study utilized the descriptive research method, relying on surveys to gather information. Data were analyzed using statistical measures, specifically the weighted mean. The findings revealed that respondents rated their solid waste management practices, including segregation, as “moderately practiced.” Similarly, waste reduction and recycling efforts were also evaluated as “moderately practiced.” However, when it came to waste disposal and the broader waste management activities implemented by the barangay council and the community, these were described as “sometimes practiced”. The results indicate that while there is a baseline of moderate engagement in waste management practices, significant improvements are required. The respondents acknowledged the need for enhanced community participation and more effective strategies to strengthen the overall efficiency of waste management efforts. This suggests that while the community is making efforts in waste management, more comprehensive and sustained initiatives, supported by the barangay council, are essential to address gaps and promote better environmental practices.

Urban Informality and Its Impacts on Sustainable Urbanism: A Review Using Selected Indicators in Kayole Informal Settlement in Nairobi

Sustainable urbanism is a fundamental element of sustainable development as envisaged under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA). Among the key bottlenecks to sustainability are urban poverty and informality. These breed developmental ills, including crime, conflicts, pollution, overcrowding, disease and illicit trade practices. Still, studies and policies acknowledge the urban informals (housing, commerce and industry) for safeguarding poor citizens’ right to the city, protecting livelihoods and reducing survivalist crimes, especially, in cities of the global South. This paper uses illustrations from Kayole Informal Settlement in Nairobi to examine the impacts of informal urban solid waste management and trade practices, and suggest synergies for overcoming them. Guided by sustainable development and sustainable urbanism theories, the descriptive study explores and mitigates select infrastructural, economic, health, environmental and governance indicators affected by informality, and which impact the realization of globally agreed development pathways. Its data was collected through questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), observation, literature review and mapwork (ArcMap and Google Earth). The resulting findings show minimal progress towards sustainability and pinpoint intervention areas Nairobi should work on to lift residents from extreme poverty as opposed to making the city functional and liveable for the poor.

Municipal solid waste management practices and sanitary landfill site selection using the AHP approach for emerging industrial zones

Selecting the right location for waste management is crucial for emerging and rapidly growing industrial towns. The intricate nature of waste management systems necessitates careful consideration of numerous options and evaluation criteria when selecting a suitable landfill site. This study, conducted in Arerti Town, Ethiopia, utilized the GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to establish a hierarchical model for identifying a suitable landfill location by considering the ten main influencing factors (groundwater table depth, proximity to boreholes, slope, soil, geology, land use, land cover, proximity to reservoirs and proximity to lineaments, built-up area, and road availability). Besides, GIS were used to manipulate and display spatial data, with all maps graded on a scale of 1 to 5, representing the lowest to highest suitability, respectively. The combined results of the AHP and GIS analyses indicated that 20.6% of the study area was deemed unsuitable, 77.67% moderately suitable and 1.75% highly suitable for a landfill. We chose a 12.5-hectare site in the southwest as the optimal location, taking into account future town expansion and its proximity to urban areas and roads. The findings of this study serve as a valuable resource for decision-makers in assessing waste management challenges in emerging towns and rapidly developing urban areas.

A Case Study on Characterization and Management of Solid Waste at Selected Spiritual Sites in Dehradun, India

The objective of this study is to evaluate the nature and extent of solid waste generated in selected areas of Dehradun, examining the disposal techniques employed and characterizing the waste produced during both normal days and festival days. Additionally, the study aims to educate the community on solid waste management practices and to calculate the average per capita waste generation. The results demonstrate that the ratio of biodegradable waste, primarily comprising flowers, fruits, and vegetables, constituted the highest proportion of waste in all analyzed temples. Of these, flowers represented the most prevalent form of biodegradable waste. The high percentage of floral waste indicates a significant volume of offerings, underscoring the necessity for the development of effective composting and organic recycling plans. Furthermore, the study demonstrates a correlation between an increase in the average generation of waste and the occurrence of holidays or festivals. Consequently, an analysis of waste-to-energy projects will facilitate the transformation of waste into electricity, thereby creating additional space in temples and promoting the utilization of environmentally friendly energy sources.

Why do cities in the global South pursue waste incineration rather than source segregation and recycling? Insights from Bangladesh

IntroductionSource segregation and recycling of waste are crucial components of sustainable solid waste management. They receive little attention due to lack of political interest and institutional capacity, weak regulatory frameworks and enforcement, lack of economic incentives and low priority in planning. A complex economic system is involved in waste management in the global South, along with an informal sector that collects and recycles valuable materials. Rather than searching for solutions to improve collection and disposal services, this study uses a political ecology approach to understand how political economy influences and controls municipal solid waste management practices on the ground focusing on source segregation and recycling and how power relations influence how waste is handled, disposed of, and recycled. Dhaka’s waste governance regime emphasizes waste-to-energy generation without considering source segregation and recycling. Waste governance wants to benefit from informal waste collection and recycling without integrating them into policy frameworks, even though they have high resource recovery potential. The paper asks why, despite the potential to implement the 3R strategy by source segregation and promote sustainable waste management, the government opted for a centralized mechanical solution (incineration) for handling waste.MethodsThis study uses qualitative social research techniques to investigate a contemporary city-scale case study. The data collection techniques consisted of interviews with key stakeholders, focus group discussions, field observations and document reviews in Dhaka, Bangladesh between July and September 2022.ResultsThe city authorities are interested in incineration technology due to the scarcity of land and the difficulty of obtaining it, while the existing dump sites are overflowing. Incineration technology can help city authorities avoid acquiring land by reducing their waste disposal footprint. City authorities perceive segregated waste collection as an additional burden because they lack the institutional and financial capacity to develop reliable separate waste collection systems. Additionally, high-level politicians have used images of incineration technologies to support modernist ideas about national development by emphasizing a centralized mechanical waste management system. On the other hand, international investors are interested in investing in technology and finance for incineration. In addition, city authorities believe composting and recycling on a small scale are not effective at managing the city’s large volumes of waste. It is likely that the new waste policy intervention (incineration) in Dhaka will lead to conflict over resources if city authorities do not properly recognize the existing waste infrastructures and informal recycling sector.DiscussionUsing the political ecology approach, the study examines why the government is less interested in implementing the 3R strategy (reduce, reuse, recycle) by segregating waste at the source level through the use of existing waste infrastructure rather than promoting centralized mechanical solutions. The city authorities are not interested in source segregation due to lack of institutional and financial capacity. The government needs to provide incentives for household source segregation and primary waste collection. City authorities are not interested in supporting incentives for source separation or waste recycling due to lack of financial capacity and political risk. Source segregation is essential for reducing waste volume and promoting sustainable resource recovery. Effective and sustainable waste management in the global South requires an integrated formal and informal approach to enhance source segregation and resource recovery. The study provides an evidence-based understanding of political ecology’s influence on MSW management practices, policy interventions and decision-making processes and offers insight into how to support effective 3R strategy implementation, facilitate policymaking, and contribute to additional knowledge for other megacities in the global South that face similar challenges.

Perception and practice of household solid waste management practices in rural Mysuru district: a cross-sectional study

Perception and practice of household solid waste management practices in rural Mysuru district: a cross-sectional study

Efficiency and Cost Management in Solid Waste: the Impact of Public Consortia in Northern Minas Gerais

Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between solid waste management indicators and the participation in public consortia in the northern region of Minas Gerais, seeking to identify characteristics of both consortium and non-consortium municipalities in terms of efficiency and cost management. Theoretical Framework: Key concepts and theories on municipal solid waste management, public consortia, and economies of scale are presented, providing a solid foundation for understanding the research context. Method: The study employs a documentary and statistical approach, analyzing data from municipalities in northern Minas Gerais. Data collection was conducted through platforms like the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) and the Spatial Data Infrastructure IDE-SISEMA, covering indicators such as collected mass, management and collection costs, and socioeconomic data. Results and Discussion: The results showed that consortium municipalities had lower per capita management costs and less cost variability, while Montes Claros, a non-consortium municipality, stood out with better indicators than the regional average. The discussion contextualizes these results with the theoretical framework, highlighting the efficiency of consortia in reducing costs and improving management. Discrepancies and study limitations are also considered. Research Implications: The study provides insights into how the results can influence practices in solid waste management, impacting public policies and municipal consortium strategies. Originality/Value: This study is pioneering in analyzing this specific relationship in the region, demonstrating the effectiveness of public consortia and guiding municipal managers in decision-making regarding consortia and waste management.

Towards low-carbon travel trips through carbon footprint: A case study of marine tourism in Sichang Island, Thailand

The growing concern over climate change has heightened the need for low-carbon tourism practices. The study aims to evaluate the carbon footprint of marine tourism on Sichang Island, Thailand. The carbon footprint assessment is set for the three travel trips identified based on the tourist's lifestyle: Route I: Merit-making trip, Route II: Nature trip, and Route III: Relaxation, Adventure, and Education. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculation under each travel trip covers transportation, accommodation, meals, recreational activities, and waste management. The results revealed that the total GHG emissions for tourism routes I, II, and III are 9.9, 10.5, and 26.2 kg CO2e/person/trip, respectively. The study has analyzed the variations in carbon footprint results based on factors including the modes of transportation, i.e., ferry rides, high-speed boats, motorized three-wheeled vehicles (Tuk-Tuk), motorcycle and car rental; types of accommodation; food and beverage menu; recreational and marine tourism activities and solid waste management practices. The major contributors to the GHG emissions of routes I and II are the sea transport, meals, and land transport on the island. Route III has the highest carbon footprint because of the accommodation required for the tour program. The obtained carbon emission factors can be used to plan and manage marine tourism activities. By comparing activities, stakeholders can make informed decisions to minimize carbon footprints. The carbon emission reduction measures and the effective carbon offset programs for the island have been recommended.

Sustainability of Indigenous Solid Waste Management Practices in Rural Communities of South Africa

Solid waste disposal methods within indigenous communities present unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. However, the current knowledge on solid waste management focuses on formal waste collection systems, neglecting the practices and sustainability aspects of solid waste management in indigenous communities. Thus, it becomes imperative to undertake research studies that evaluate the sustainability of these practices as they play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development. The current study systematically evaluates the views and judgments associated with the sustainability aspects of indigenous waste management practices in the rural communities of South Africa using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model. The data analysis was carried out using the AHP model. The findings of this study showed that the rural communities of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality prioritize the sustainability of the environment (weight: 0.590) over the economic (weight: 0.240) and social sustainability (weight: 0.165) based on the AHP evaluative framework. The validity of the priorities was tested through the computed degree of consistency (<10%) and an eigenvalue of 5.107. Furthermore, according to the assessment in the current study, the AHP evaluative framework dominantly prioritizes the sub-criteria of environmental sustainability (composting) at a responding rate of over 70% almost across all indigenous communities except for Acornhoek (30%), Casteel (25%), and Mambumbu (24%). Likewise, the sub-criterion of social sustainability, which is associated with communal cleaning labor, was found to be of extreme importance (60%), outperforming taboos (10%) that are anchored in cultural and spiritual beliefs. With a response rate > 50%, waste trading proved to be of economic efficacy. Using the AHP model to evaluate the sustainability aspects associated with indigenous solid waste management practices addresses a substantial gap in the comprehension of the role of indigenous knowledge towards sustainability in the discipline of solid waste management. However, it also offers a valuable sustainability perception that is associated with indigenous waste disposal methods that local governments and policymakers should include for consideration in integrated waste management plans. This can lead to the development of waste disposal programs that are well-coordinated and in accordance with indigenous sustainable waste management practices that advance the circular economy and promote environmental protection.

Additive Manufacturing Applicability for Efficient Solid Waste Management

Objective: This study intends to perform a theoretical analysis of Additive Manufacturing applicability and integration with Solid Waste Management practices. Theoretical Framework: The main concepts and theories in Industry 4.0, Additive Manufacturing, Solid Waste Management, Cleaner Production, Reserve Logistics stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the investigation context. Method: This study investigated two of the largest sustainable companies that develop green products and resources for Additive Manufacturing uses operating in the Brazilian market. The information was collected from portals, reports of results, processes, and green manufactured products, according to literature. Results and Discussion: The study results that Additive Manufacturing implementation generated significantly less waste due to technology applied and its usage of green and efficient inputs. Research Implications: This research provides insights into how the results can be applied in Additive Manufacturing Field. These implications could encompass the waste management area and the recycling methods for polypropylene residues. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the relationship between additive manufacturing and waste management with the Industry 4.0 concepts, showing additive manufacturing as an alternative way of more sustainable production.

Solid Waste Management Practices in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda

Solid Waste Management Practices in Nakasongola Town Council, Uganda

Municipal solid waste management practices vs public opinion study of Telangana State during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Municipal solid waste management is an important environmental concern of the new era. The fast-evolvinglifestyles of the people, rapid population growth and industrialization, and a certain amount of unawareness and negligence on the part of the public add to the MSW management issues. Many studies indicated that a greater amount of municipal solid waste is not effectively managed. An efficient management of municipal solid waste is therefore called for to protect the public and environment from waste hazards. The current paper proposes to offer a holistic view of efficient practices for municipal solid waste management in Telangana. An online survey has been conducted with the help of Google Formsusing social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Snapchat to understand the concerns of the society about proper methods of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Telangana. The number of responses received is 219 in a total of 32 districts in Telangana state. Statistical analysis has been carried out with the help of the Chi-square test at a 5% level of significance to identify the existence of a significant relation between Municipal Solid Waste management aspects and the demographic variables namely gender and place of residence.

Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among the Urban Residents

Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among the Urban Residents

Situation Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management Practices in Mthatha Central Business District, South Africa

Situation Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management Practices in Mthatha Central Business District, South Africa

Quantification of construction and demolition waste disposal behaviors during COVID-19 using satellite imagery

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted conventional municipal solid waste (MSW) management practices and affected waste generation rates. While MSW streams have been extensively studied and reported, the impact on construction and demolition (C&D) waste remains overlooked. This research develops an innovative analytical framework utilizing satellite imagery to quantify C&D waste disposal rates during COVID-19 restrictions in a mid-sized Canadian city. Supervised classification of Landsat-8 images is conducted to derive the settlement area over a period of 8.8 years (2014–2022). The C&D disposal rates and settlement area relationship is evaluated using regression analysis. Results reveal a 73.4% reduction in mean weekly C&D disposal in 2020 compared to pre-pandemic years, reflecting diminished construction activity. The settlement area exhibits a strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.812) with per capita C&D disposal rate, providing spatial evidence of urbanization patterns affecting C&D waste generation. Among socioeconomic factors examined, the value of building permits issued most influences C&D quantities (R2 = 0.934). The satellite imagery-based approach allows indirect estimation of disrupted C&D waste streams when on-site auditing is restricted during pandemics. The framework offers municipal authorities spatial decision support to formulate data-driven C&D waste management policies that are essential to smart cities and resilient to future public health emergencies.

Perceived social, economic, environmental and health effects of solid waste management practices in logia town, afar, ethiopia

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban areas has led to adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economic well-being of communities. Therefore, this study analyzes the status of household solid waste management practices and their effects in Logia Town, Afar, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes both descriptive and econometric models (binary logistic regression model). The descriptive results of the study revealed that there is general awareness of the importance of solid waste management (SWM) and its impact on the environment, economy, and human health among the respondents. Regarding respondents’ attitudes, the majority of households understand the responsibility of proper waste disposal and its impact. However, in terms of solid waste management practices, 80% of households do not properly segregate their waste, 59.3% do not separate solid waste (SW) before disposal, and 74% of households engage in improper disposal practices. About 95.9% of respondents were aware that improper waste management can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. Around 65% of the sampled households considered solid waste as a source of wealth, and, as a result, 56% of them reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. This indicates that solid waste has economic value for society. Regarding the environmental impact of SW, about 89% of respondents argued that SW adversely affects the environment by polluting rivers, lakes, wells, and air. This environmental impact negatively affects the well-being and economic status of the community. The binary logistic regression model found that having adequate solid waste landfills, access to door-to-door solid waste collection, knowledge of SWM rules and regulations, treating waste as a resource, and understanding the 3Rs (recycle, reuse, reduce) had positive and significant effects on the adoption of proper solid waste management practices in the study area. Therefore, to reduce undesirable effects and improve the value of SW, the relevant authorities should provide adequate solid waste landfills and door-to-door collection services, create awareness about SWM rules and regulations, and promote knowledge of the 3Rs.

Fostering Ecological Literacy and Solid Waste Management Practices among Students and Employees: A Pathway to Green Campus Development

Fostering Ecological Literacy and Solid Waste Management Practices among Students and Employees: A Pathway to Green Campus Development

Effectiveness of NGOs in mountainous solid waste management: A case study from Healing Himalayas in Rakchham, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role in addressing solid waste management (SWM) challenges in remote mountain communities, including the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. This study evaluates the impact of Healing Himalayas, an NGO, in Rakchham village, Himachal Pradesh, India. The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of Healing Himalayas' decentralized SWM model in promoting stakeholder engagement and resource recovery, assess the role of collaborations between local authorities and the NGO in financing waste management practices, investigate the influence of tourism and seasonal variations on solid waste generation patterns and waste management practices in Rakchham, and material recovery facilities, followed by glass (36.7%), paper/cardboard (18.4%) and metal (4.1%). A fee-based system involving the local village council funded waste operations. Waste generation exhibited significant seasonal fluctuations, with tourism influxes driving increased volumes. Healing Himalayas' initiatives promoted community participation, with over 15 awareness workshops conducted. Key challenges included limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of advanced treatment facilities and need for context-specific solutions like efficient wet waste management in cold climates. The study highlights Healing Himalayas' decentralized model's success in fostering stakeholder engagement, behavioural change and resource recovery. The findings inform effective strategies for NGO-led waste management initiatives tailored to remote Himalayan communities.

Current Trends and Pressing Issues of Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries with Special Reference to Pakistan

In South Asia, Pakistan ranks as the second largest state and stands sixth globally in terms of population. This research critically examines the solid waste management (SWM) system in Pakistan, employing a qualitative methodology to assess its effectiveness. The study begins with a broad overview of SWM issues in developing countries, focusing on Pakistan's specific challenges such as mismanagement, lack of innovative techniques, insufficient budget, and inadequate policies. It scrutinizes the SWM practices across all provinces, identifying open dumping, burning of solid waste, and industrial waste disposal in water streams as prevalent methods. These techniques are analyzed for their adverse impacts on human health and the environment, highlighting the urgent need for a more effective SWM system. The research underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices and integrating comprehensive frameworks to improve SWM. By examining empirical data and employing a robust analytical framework, the study aims to provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of SWM in Pakistan. The ultimate goal is to foster a system that aligns with global sustainability standards, ensuring better environmental and public health outcomes.