Waste Collectors Research Articles

Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity

The negative environmental impacts of the current linear system of textile and apparel production are well-documented and require urgent action. The sector lacks an effective recycling system, resulting in massive waste and environmental pollution. This paper presents the results of qualitative research involving textile and apparel industry stakeholders, including representatives from brands and retailers, waste collectors, recyclers, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. Our research focused on stakeholder perceptions of the significance and importance of textile circularity, the challenges that exist for transitioning the textile and apparel industry from a linear system to a circular economy (CE), and resources that exist to support this transition. The results of this study call attention to the following urgent requirements: a consistent definition of CE to promote transparency and accountability and prevent greenwashing; improved systems for materials identification, sorting, and pre-processing of post-consumer textile waste to enable recycling; innovations in mechanical recycling technologies to maintain the value of recycled materials; and new, materials-driven approaches to design and manufacturing that are responsive to feedstock variability and diverse consumer needs. The research findings also suggest the need for flexible, regional CEs that are rooted in community partnerships.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among the Municipal Waste collectors in Aden, Yemen

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus infection is major global health problem. The present study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among municipal waste collectors and to identify clinical findings and risk factors associated with HCV infection among those collectors in Aden, Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 municipal waste collectors. The blood samples were collected from all MWCs, then the clotted blood was separated by centrifuge and the sera were tested for presence of HCV antibodies (Anti-HCV) by Cobas technique that based on ECLIA. Results: Out of 100 municipal waste collectors, majority was males 89(89/100). The total mean age of those members was 36.74±10.98years. The range of ages was 16 and 60 years. Only 1(1/100) had HCV infection. This case was male, married and within age group ≥ 45years which comprised; 1.1%, 1.2% and 4.5%, respectively. The positive case was illiterate and had low economic status and had duration of work as municipal waste collector from 10-20years and alone accommodation which comprised 1.1%, 1.6% 2.4% and 9.1%, respectively. This 1(7.8%) HCV infected patient infection lives in Al-Muallhe. Significant associations found between HCV infection and exposing to blood transfusion, catheterization and needles stick as risk factors (p=0.002,0.0001 and 0.080), respectively and liver cirrhosis as complicated clinical finding (p=.0001),but the association was not significant between HCV infection and sources of waste (0.620). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that the municipal waste collectors in Aden, Yemen had lower rate of HCV infection than most studies globally. The males, married and MWCs in age group≥ 45years, and those had illiterate education and live alone had highest percentages of HCV infection. Blood transfusion, needles stick and catheterization may increase the risk of HCV infection.

The green marine waste collector routing optimization with puma selectison-based neighborhood search algorithm

AbstractImproper waste disposal by humans has created significant environmental issues in the marine ecosystem, including endangering aquatic life and accelerating the extinction of certain marine species. Due to the floating nature of the marine debris, the coordinates for collecting activities must be estimated in advance. In this article, GNOME software is used to estimate the coordinates of debris, and then a fleet of several ships is used to collect them. Also, a mixed integer linear programming model is presented for the routing optimization of debris collection fleets. The proposed optimization model formulates the objective function based on numerous factors, including labor cost, rent, and ship insurance, and considers constraints on fuel tank capacity, the time window, and the ship’s cargo capacity. A new hybrid algorithm combining the Puma algorithm and neighborhood search is proposed to address the problem. Metropolis acceptance is used in the simulated annealing algorithm to avoid the local optima and greedy selection. Numerical examples of the marine survey and the port of Rotterdam are used to test the proposed approach, which has been proven effective in several scenarios. Results achieved from the proposed hybrid method demonstrate considerable performance improvement in solving the problem. This approach has decreased total fuel and labor costs by 10–15% compared to conventional methods, with minimized time window violation reaching 25%. These results show a significant reduction in total operational costs with proper scheduling and route planning.

Prevalence of work-related injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia 2023

Work-related injury is one of the most complex public health challenges globally. Rapid population growth and development in Hawassa City have resulted in increased solid waste generation, a growing complexity of waste with an increasing number of waste collectors, and mounting risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injuries among solid waste collectors in Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, in 2023. A cross-sectional design was employed with 240 waste collectors using simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Open Data Kit and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted, and associations were determined using odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of 0.05. The 240 waste collectors, 237 (98.8%) participated in this study. Among them, 104 (43.9%, 95% CI: 37.5–50.3) reported work-related injuries. Factors such as work duty as a recycler (AOR = 6.64; 95% CI: (2.11 to 20.845)), manual handling of waste (AOR: 5.187; 95% CI (2.23 to 12.04)), receiving first occupational health training ((AOR: 3.449; 95% CI (1.328 to 8.96)), on-the-job training (AOR = 7.826; 95% CI (3.08 to 19.839)), and the use of modern waste handling equipment (AOR: 0.251; 95% CI, (0.071 to 0.893)) were found to be significant predictors of work-related injury. The prevalence of work-related injuries among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa City is high. Thus, we recommend that pre-employment and on-the-job training be provided to waste collectors, along with the regular provision of appropriate waste-handling equipment.

A study on the difficulties of practicing reverse logistics by an association of waste pickers in the city of Manaus

Sustainability has been a growing concern worldwide, with reverse logistics being its most relevant ally. This study aimed to analyze the difficulties encountered in the practice of reverse logistics by an association of solid waste collectors operating in the city of Manaus. It used the survey method, whose data was collected from interviews and observations, analyzed using the content analysis technique, and presented through photographs. The results showed five stages of the reverse logistics process: reception, sorting, separation, and mixing of the material and pressing of the raw material produced, as well as the difficulties encountered in all phases of reverse logistics (internally and externally). The conclusion shows that the difficulties can be summarized in the lack of personal protective equipment, machines, and equipment for handling the material and storage of the collected material and the lack of vehicles for transporting and moving the waste internally and externally and the finished product to the association's customers.

Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga city, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design.

Solid waste collectors play an important role in maintaining health and hygiene in cities globally. The risk levels are very high in low-income countries since solid waste collectors have low socio-economic status and are exposed directly, unknowingly, and without adequate personal protection to municipal solid waste that contains hazardous materials. Solid waste collectors in Ethiopia are at high risk of occupational injuries due to the manual collection of hazardous solid waste by hand. In Jigjiga city, so far, there has been no study or published research showing the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors. To assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023. An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, involving 247 solid waste collectors. Data was collected through an observational and structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info and STATA software programs. The study used systematic random sampling techniques and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the statistical association between the outcome variable and independent variables. The significance of the association was tested using the 95% confidence interval and p value (<0.05). The overall prevalence of occupational injuries was 54.7% (95% CI: 48.2%, 60.6%). Training on health and safety measures before employment [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.24, 0.80)], sleeping problems [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.86, 5.78)] and Temporary workers [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.16, 3.95)] were significantly associated with occupational injuries. The prevalence rate of occupational injuries among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City was high. There should be preventive measures, like giving Training on Health and safety before employment, to safeguard the health and safety conditions of the workers.

Health Challenges among Waste Collectors in Bangladesh: Exploring Risk Factors Using Multilevel Modeling

BackgroundWaste collectors face multi-faceted health risks including exposure to musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, and workplace injuries because of their hazardous work environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors that affect health of the waste collectors across Bangladesh. MethodsData on a cross-sectional survey obtained information from 481 waste collectors about their demographics, housing conditions, hygiene practices, security measures, and disease prevalence. Descriptive analyses and multilevel models are used. ResultsAs per univariate analysis, 81.3% did not have access to clean water, 58.4% did not have access to sanitation, and 65.9% of people lived in unhealthy housing. According to bivariate analysis, there is an association between unhealthy working conditions i.e., respiratory illnesses (19.1% asthma, 29.7% cough), gastrointestinal issues (59.3% discomfort, 24.1% diarrhea), musculoskeletal disorders, and dermatological diseases, and unsafe working conditions (i.e., 60% no masks, 71% no gloves, and 75% no boots). Considering geographic clustering, multilevel modeling examined how different factors affected particular illnesses. The following were significant protective factors: better housing (80% lower odds of acute irritation), security measures (50% lower odds of gastrointestinal diseases), good hygiene (62% lower odds of dermatological diseases), and younger age (2% higher odds of respiratory diseases per year). ConclusionIn summary, unsafe living and working conditions greatly push the risks of illness for waste collectors. These risks to occupational health can be reduced with targeted interventions that enhance housing, hygiene, security protocols, and working conditions.

Waste 4.0: transforming medical waste management through digitalization and automated segregation

Medical waste management is a crucial issue due to its potential health risks to humans and harm to the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises separating medical waste into seven groups based on its type. However, despite the implementation of color-coded bin bags, cases of missegregation still occur frequently, leading to injuries and spreading diseases. Infectious waste such as sharps, human tissue, and body parts are often found mixed in waste bins, posing a severe threat to waste employees. To address this issue, this paper proposes exploring the potential of digitalization in waste segregation. The literature on current segregation methods and technology applications is analysed and compared, and a framework for utilizing barcode tagging and scanning to ensure waste is correctly categorized is presented. The barcodes and scanner will be connected through a monitoring system, which can notify waste generators and collectors of misplacing or mixed waste. This digitalization system is expected to serve as a monitoring agent for segregating waste before it is collected from any health facilities. Additionally, the exchanged data from waste generator bins can inform collectors and other waste stakeholders about the waste's condition, potentially opening up opportunities for recycling companies to purchase used plastics or metals from hospital wastes. By implementing digitalization in medical waste management, waste segregation can improve, reduce the spread of diseases and injuries, and promote the recycling of hospital waste materials.

Public Communication Strategy in the Protest of Garbage Collector Workers

Background: Public perception is vital for government trust and communication. Specific Background: Protests by waste collectors in Sidoarjo impacted the government's image due to controversial waste management fees. Knowledge Gap: Few studies explore the role of government communication in shaping public perception during local policy protests. Aims: This study analyzes the Sidoarjo Communication Office's efforts to maintain a positive image post-protests. Results: The office's inadequate response, especially its failure to engage protestors, worsened negative media coverage. Novelty: The study underscores the importance of transparent crisis communication. Implications: Local governments must strengthen communication strategies to manage public sentiment and maintain credibility during crises. Highlights : Transparent communication prevents negative public sentiment. Lack of engagement worsens media narratives. Robust strategies are needed to maintain government credibility. Keywords: public perception, crisis communication, waste management, local government, Sidoarjo protests

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of formal and informal waste collectors in urban waste management system

Effective and efficient waste collection and management is critical to achieving sustainable cities and communities, public health, and sustainable development. This notwithstanding, the rapid and ever-increasing rate of urban waste generation in developing countries has led to the emergence of a dual system of formal and informal waste collection schemes with unclear effectiveness and efficiency. This study compared the operational effectiveness and efficiency of formal and informal waste collectors in the urban waste management system in Ghana. A case study research design is employed with a focus on households and waste collectors in the Suame Municipality in the Ashanti of Ghana. Data were collected through questionnaire administration and interviews, waste quantification, and field measurements. The findings reveal that 61.5 % of households rely on informal waste collectors, 35 % on formal waste collectors and 3.5 % use indiscriminate dumping. The formal waste collectors were more effective serving 111 households and collecting 11.239 tonnes of waste per trip but utilises 62 % of their collection capacity while the informal sector collects 846.67 kg per trip and uses 106 % of their collection capacity. Formal waste collectors were also more efficient with the use of time. The study unveils an opportunity to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in municipal waste management in low- and middle-income countries with reforms and practices that build upon existing waste management practices and integrate informal waste collectors into formal waste management systems.

Economic and environmental benefits of optimized waste transportation routes in Khulna

Urban transportation is a big source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Khulna City handles the waste of 1.23 million people daily, using Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles (HDDV) that release major environmental pollutants. The current waste transportation routes lack proper planning, leading to extra fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. This study aims to reduce fuel consumption and socio-environmental costs by improving waste transportation routes. Present collection routes, collecting points, and the speed of 30 waste collector vehicles were tracked using GPS devices for ten months between July 2023 and April 2024. The network dataset was modified according to four types of waste collector vehicles. ArcGIS Pro was used to find the optimal paths and their lengths. Fuel usage and prices were estimated using simple fuel consumption rate calculations. The lengths of current and optimal routes were used in COPERT to measure pollutant emissions. The results show that improved routes lower fuel consumption costs by approximately USD 55.39 per day and CO2 emissions by about 38.242 tonnes per year. Reductions in CO, CH4, NMVOC, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 were roughly 9.3%, 9.53%, 9.21%, 9.29%, 9.35%, and 9.3%, respectively. This study demonstrates a comprehensive approach for improving solid waste management covering both financial efficiency and environmental effects.

Analysis of the Circular Economy's Implementation at Maggot House Mengger Sub-District Bandung City

In 2023, the city of Bandung faced serious problems because the Sarimukti landfill caught fire and the city of Bandung experienced a "waste emergency". One of the programs launched is the construction of maggot houses in every sub-district in Bandung City with a target of processing 1 ton of organic waste/day. Mengger Sub-district is one of the sub-districts that received assistance to build maggot house. The land area of ​​the maggot house is 150 m2, managed by 4 officers. This study aims to identify various problems that must be resolved first so that the circular economy concept can be implemented at the Mengger Maggot House. The study was carried out by conducting observations, detailed surveys and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders in Mengger Sub-district. Observations were carried out to see the level of compliance of residents in sorting, a detailed survey was carried out on the waste collection and processing system at the maggot house, and in-depth interviews were conducted with assistants from Bandung City Environmental Service Office (DLH), maggot buyers, sub-district officials, maggot house officers, neighbourhood (RT) and hamlet (RW), and waste collector. Based on the results of observations, it was found that only some residents carry out sorting consistently, a collection system already exists in each RT/RW but they have not implemented a segregated waste collection system, and there is no system for transporting waste from the RW to the maggot house so that the amount of organic waste entering the maggot house is still low, no electricity and clean water, no choppers, leaks in the fly cage, and no diversification in maggot products. Through various socialization activities and Focus Group Discussions with all stakeholders, various agreements were obtained to resolve various problems at the Mengger Maggot House.

Effect of County Government Strategies in the Collection, Transportation and Disposal of Plastic Waste in Lodwar Town, Turkana County Kenya

Plastic waste management has become a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of many developing countries. Economic growth and population increase in the developing countries in recent years has caused an increase in utilization of natural resources that has led to unprecedented plastic waste generation. The uncontrolled plastic waste disposal has become a challenge in Africa and other developing countries due to insufficient or lack of human and financial capacities to remedy the situation. This study investigated the effect of county governments’ strategies in place in the collection, transportation and disposal of plastic waste in Lodwar town, turkana county Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. purposive sampling was used to select 345 respondents from Lodwar town and the county government employees including key informants from public health department at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed for descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The study findings showed that majority (78.6%) of the residents disagreed that there is reselling of plastic materials to avoid generation of wastage. Further majority (38%) also disagreed that they are reusing the plastics for other purposes in their households. Additionally, majority (55.9%) still disagreed that the municipality has recycling company, which has assisted in plastic material recycling. However, on the other hand majority (71.6%) of the residents were not aware if there is a new technological recycling machine in the county. The study revealed that majority of the respondents disagreed that there are waste collectors and transporters in the town (mean= 1.95, standard deviation=0.99). Majority of the respondents disagreed that the municipality have recycling company which has assisted in plastic material recycling (Mean=1.51, standard deviation=0.89). Majority of the residents strongly agreed that handling plastic waste in Lodwar municipality is of great concern (Mean=4.59, standard deviation=0.84). The study concluded planning and coordination have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. There are no enough waste collectors and transporters in the town also Municipality has no clear waste management guideline/policy. Recycling methods have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. The study recommended that the municipality administration should come up with waste management guideline/policy that will ensure efficient and reliable wastage handling.

Revitalisasi Bank Sampah Gesit Desa Rumah Gerat melalui Edukasi dan Penataan Sistem Operasional Bank Sampah

This community service activity aims to enhance the effectiveness of the "Bank Sampah Gesit" in Rumah Gerat Village through educational initiatives and operational system restructuring. The program includes educating participants on waste management concepts, types of recyclable materials, and effective operational management, followed by a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to design improved operational systems. Using a one-shot case study approach with pretest-posttest assessments, this initiative successfully increased participants' knowledge and understanding of waste management principles and established a functional waste management system. This system includes the types of waste managed, waste deposit recording systems, and the roles of waste collectors and sponsors in sustaining the bank. Fully supported by the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) of Universitas Negeri Medan and in collaboration with Roda Hijau Kota Medan, this community service program encourages active community participation in environmental conservation efforts. The goal is for this initiative to inspire the residents of Rumah Gerat Village to manage waste more efficiently, positively impacting the local environment, and creating a cleaner and sustainable environment for future generations.

Plastic pollution in Harari region, Ethiopia: practices and impacts on health and environment.

Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the environment and human health on a global level. This study aimed to investigate plastic pollution in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The result indicated that 62% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge about plastic waste, and 59% of them perceived plastic waste as harmful. Polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonates were the types of plastic waste identified. Being female (AOR = 1.82), aged 15-45 (AOR = 1.82), married (AOR = 1.83), and having families >3 (AOR = 2.15) were significantly positively associated with good plastic waste management practice. Being illiterate (AOR = 0.52), and having poor knowledge about plastic waste (AOR = 0.54) were significantly negatively associated with poor management practice. The findings indicated that the Harari region is prone to adverse health and environmental effects from plastic pollution. Policies restricting plastic use, training municipal waste collectors and health extension workers, and improving public awareness are indispensable.

Urban food (In)security and the role of migrant informal food waste recyclers in Delhi

Urban food systems in developing countries like India are rife with inequalities that preclude food security for all. In this context, the paper examines the role played by informal workers in the ‘circular economy’ for food in improving the accessibility of food and urban food security in Delhi, India. Evidence from an informal street market close to one of the country's largest urban wholesale markets of food grains, pulses and spices in Delhi reveals rare details of how urban food waste plays a significant role in the livelihood strategies of the city's poor migrants while also contributing to the urban food security of the low-income households. Although there is a growing recognition that the street food sector plays an important role in urban food security, the vital role played by waste collectors, home-based workers and street vendors in restoring discarded food grain, pulses and spices, and bringing them back into the urban food system has been largely invisible. This invisibility extends to the gendered segregation of work in food waste recycling, where our study found that predominantly women undertake labour-intensive and lower paid tasks at the bottom of the hierarchy. The paper provides an overview of the nature of informal livelihood, the contribution of informal workers and challenges and opportunities in the urban circular economy for food. However, their contributions are often overshadowed by health and safety concerns about the reuse of discarded food. Further, an analysis of the current policy landscape in urban India also indicates that informal workers are marginalised in the circular economy for food. While the state owes these informal workers support and protection for their contribution to the ‘Circular economy’ for food and urban food security, any effort to sustain these practices would need to incorporate adequate health and safety procedures.

Health hazards implication for household solid waste collectors of north city corporation in Dhaka: a post-COVID study

Health hazards implication for household solid waste collectors of north city corporation in Dhaka: a post-COVID study

Scavenger Women’s Strategy in Fulfilling Family Economy in Makassar City

Poverty is still a problem in urban areas. Limited skills and employment have caused women from poor families to also seek work as scavengers or collectors of waste and used goods to help support their family's economy. This study aims to find the characteristics of female scavengers in responding to the phenomenon of poor women in fulfilling their family's economy. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is also a review in finding the distribution of gender roles in scavenger households. This research was conducted in Makassar City using a qualitative approach. Data was obtained from 25 families of female scavengers. The results of the study found that female scavengers aged between 23 and 45 years with an education level of not having finished elementary school were 20%. graduated from elementary school 72% and junior high school 8%. Age of family between 4 to 18 years, with an average dependent of 3 children. In scavenging activities involving children aged between 1 and 5 years which is a domestic role and a strategy to get additional income from the compassion of the community. The average income of a scavenger family is between Rp. 1,200.00 to Rp. 2,050,000. Family expenses consist of basic needs in the form of consumption 28.5%, needs for children under five 24.4% and paying debts 13.3%. Scavenger women make an economic contribution to the family between 40% and 77%. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is a form of child exploitation, which has not yet become the attention of the Makassar city government. In scavenging activities involving children aged between 1 and 5 years which is a domestic role and a strategy to get additional income from the compassion of the community. The average income of a scavenger family is between Rp. 1,200.00 to Rp. 2,050,000. Family expenses consist of basic needs in the form of consumption 28.5%, needs for children under five 24.4% and paying debts 13.3%. Scavenger women make an economic contribution to the family between 40% and 77%. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is a form of child exploitation, which has not yet become the attention of the Makassar city government. In scavenging activities involving children aged between 1 and 5 years which is a domestic role and a strategy to get additional income from the compassion of the community. The average income of a scavenger family is between Rp. 1,200.00 to Rp. 2,050,000. Family expenses consist of basic needs in the form of consumption 28.5%, needs for children under five 24.4% and paying debts 13.3%. Scavenger women make an economic contribution to the family between 40% and 77%. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is a form of child exploitation, which has not yet become the attention of the Makassar city government. Family expenses consist of basic needs in the form of consumption 28.5%, needs for children under five 24.4% and paying debts 13.3%. Scavenger women make an economic contribution to the family between 40% and 77%. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is a form of child exploitation, which has not yet become the attention of the Makassar city government. Family expenses consist of basic needs in the form of consumption 28.5%, needs for children under five 24.4% and paying debts 13.3%. Scavenger women make an economic contribution to the family between 40% and 77%. The involvement of children under five in the scavenging process is a form of child exploitation, which has not yet become the attention of the Makassar city government.

Effect of the ICT‐enabled reclaimer system on the informal waste recycling system in Cape Town, South Africa: The Regenize model

AbstractThe impact of information and communication technology (ICT)‐enabled waste management systems on municipal solid waste, waste reclaimer integration, and resource recovery is critical, particularly in the informal recycling sector. This study investigates the effects of the ICT‐enabled waste management system in Cape Town, South Africa, with a focus on the Regenize model. Leveraging digital technologies, the Regenize model aims to improve waste picker integration and resource recovery within the local waste management system. A qualitative research methodology involving semi structured interviews with key stakeholders in Cape Town's ICT‐enabled waste reclaimer system, data triangulation, and thematic content analysis was employed to investigate the system's transformative potential. Preliminary findings indicate the Regenize system's alignment with extended producer responsibility (EPR) principles and its embodiment of local entrepreneurial innovation. Waste pickers' active participation as cocreators of waste management mobile platforms has transitioned them from traditional waste collectors to technological contributors, enhancing their role in the waste management ecosystem. Furthermore, the ICT‐enabled waste reclaimer system has significantly regularized the status of foreign waste pickers, providing them with essential rights and access to banking services through mobile platforms. By utilizing Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet of Things (IoT), the Regenize model not only improves resource recovery but also promotes sustainable waste management practices. This represents a substantial step towards inclusive urban waste management in Cape Town. The study's implications extend beyond Cape Town, offering valuable insights for enhancing waste management practices and promoting sustainability across South Africa's broader waste management landscape.

Factors influencing willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services among households in urban cities in Uganda: empirical evidence from Lira City

Waste management in Lira City, Uganda faces significant challenges, particularly in the area of waste collection. Pollution and health risks from uncollected waste are rampant, posing serious threats to human health and the environment. This persistent problem demands urgent attention and effective solutions to improve waste collection and safeguard the well-being of the community and the natural surroundings. This study aimed to assess households’ willingness to pay for improved waste collection services, examine their waste management practices, and identify influencing factors. We employed a multistage sampling technique to randomly select 585 household heads and conducted key informant interviews with city officials and private waste collectors. Data analysis was conducted with STATA 17 and results showed that 48.12% of households were willing to pay an average of UGX 3012 ($0.84) per month for better services. Factors including education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and environmental awareness significantly influenced this willingness. The study highlights a significant gap in public awareness and understanding of efficient solid waste management practices and concludes that enhancing public awareness is crucial for improving environmental health and safety in Lira City.