ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS USED AT

KWALUSENI COMMUNITY

BY:

MCEBO THEMBELA NGWENYAMA

A RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED FOR BSC AGRICULTURAL

AND BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY OF ESWATINI

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

OCTOBER 2018
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Information

Solid waste is defined as the waste produced from human and animal activities that are solid
and are discarded as useless or unwanted (Magongo, 2016). This includes organic waste,
paper products, cloth, leather, yard waste and wood, but does not include sewage and
hazardous materials (Ndlovu, 2011). Solid waste is often called the third polluter after air and
water, that consists of materials which arise from various human activities and which are
normally discarded (Malaza, 2011). Solid waste management is an issue of great concern of
late in developing countries across the world, as population growth, and high urbanization
rates combined with under-funded local governments lead to inefficient solid waste
management (Walling et al, 2004).

The need for improved solid waste management systems is very important because the
amount of solid waste is increasing world-wide. Adom et al, (2016) estimated that the
amount of domestic solid waste will rise from the current 1.3 billion tonnes per year to 2.2
billion tonnes per year by 2025. Poorly managed solid waste causes detrimental impacts to
human health and to the environment. Communities in developing countries often turn to
waste disposal methods that have proven to be destructive to the environment such as open
dumping and burning because they have no other option to manage their waste (Dlamini,
2017). Indiscriminately disposed solid waste is a major cause of diseases world-wide, and
improving sanitation is known to have a considerable impact on health both at household and
community level (Nyoni, 2016).

Solid waste management is an issue in developing countries due to lack of understanding of

the basic dynamic characteristics of waste generation and appreciation of the origin of
sanitation (Magongo, 2016). In Eswatini problems emanating from poor solid waste
management such as indiscriminate waste dumping are of great concern (Golush, 2008).

Solid waste management is an enormous challenge in the country, especially in the dense
settlements in the peri-urban areas with absence of waste management system. Kwaluseni is
one of these peri-urban areas which experience waste management problems as its population
is ever increasing. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO, 2010) the area had a
population of 10365 people, 883 homesteads and 3964 household around 2010. It is a peri-
urban area that is situated in between Mbabane and Manzini. Its proximity to the industrial
estate has contributed to the influx of people as they settle in the area so that they are close to
their places of employment. The demand for housing that comes with the establishment of
industrial towns has meant that the area, and its surrounding areas, had to respond to this
demand, but in an unplanned fashion hence the lack of a good waste management system
(Eswatini Environmental Authority, 2003).

1.2 Problem statement

Proper solid waste management is important for sanitation and health in communities.
Xxxxxx However, solid waste management in Kwaluseni continues to be poor due to the
increase in number of unplanned settlements, commercial entities within the community and
lack of proper waste management systems. Solid waste is dumped indiscriminately on public
roads, along river banks, and in open fields around the area. The disposal of solid waste
anyhow puts the lives of people in the community at the risk of contracting diseases and
increases chances of polluting water sources thus increasing morbidity and mortality rates
within the community. Hence this study intends to assess the solid waste management
systems used in Kwaluseni to improve on it.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

The general objective of the study is to assess solid waste management at Kwaluseni
community.

1.3.2 Specific objective

a) To determine the methods of solid waste management used in Kwaluseni community.

b) To assess the effectiveness of the solid waste management methods used.
c) To determine the challenges of solid waste management in Kwaluseni community.
2.0 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 Sources of Solid Waste

Nemerow et al., (2009), states that sources of solid waste are related to land use and zoning.
Solid waste management systems are developed considering the type of solid waste,
composition and the generation rate. Solid waste is from residential, commercial, industrial,
municipal services, agricultural, construction and demolition, institutional, and treatment
plant sites.
2.1.1 Residential waste
This is the waste generated by households living, either in single or multifamily dwellings.
This waste may contain organic waste, which includes waste from kitchens and gardens,
recyclable waste such as plastics, papers and cans, non -recyclable waste, hazardous waste
like batteries, oils, tires and special waste (Tchobanolglous et al., 1993).
2.1.2 Commercial waste
This is waste generated from commercial centre, such as shops, offices, and restaurants,
hotels and similar establishments. It consisting of packaging materials, office supplies and
food waste and bearing a close resemblance to domestic waste. Commercial waste is usually
treated as municipal waste. In developing countries food markets contribute a large
proportion to commercial waste. Commercial waste may also include hazardous components
such as contaminated packaging (Rand, Haukohl and Marxen, 2000).
2.1.3 Industrial waste
This is waste from industries. It is categorized as hazardous and non-hazardous. It is not
considered as municipal waste although the non- hazardous waste is often disposed in
municipal disposal facilities. Non-hazardous waste disposed in municipal facilities, the
municipalities have a duty to consider industrial waste management to help quantify and
characterize the different types of wastes with respect to hazardous and non-hazardous,
municipal and non- municipal. According to Nemerow et al., (2009), common waste
generated from industrial sectors are packaging materials using plastic and paper, organic
waste from food industries and dust from cement industry and the marble and granite
industry. Sustainable industrial waste management is very important for national
development.
2.2.4 Municipal services
This is the waste from the operation and maintenance of municipal facilities and provision of
other municipal services. It includes streets sweepings, roadside litter and waste from
municipal receptacles, dead animals, and abandoned vehicles. Dead animals and abandoned
automobiles sources are identified as originating from nonspecific diffuse sources (Golush,
2008).
2.1.5 Agricultural waste
Waste and residues resulting from agricultural activities like planting, harvesting, and rearing
livestock. Agricultural solid waste is mostly biodegradable although some chemical like the
pesticides and fertilizers may persist in the environment for longer periods pose a risk to the
environment. Human and animal pathogens feed additives, certain metals, under uncontrolled
conditions can be detrimental to aquatic plants, animals and human life (Twardowska et al.,
2005).
2.1.6 Construction and Demolition waste
This is waste of building material and rubble resulting from construction, remodelling and
repair, and demolition operations on building, pavements, and other structures. This include
wood, tree stumps, concrete, bricks, blocks, plaster, corrugated cardboard, glass, metals and
plastic scrap (Nemerow et al., 2009).
2.1.7 Institutional waste
Waste generated in government centres, schools, prisons, hospitals, military bases.
Institutional waste is similar to residential and commercial waste although it is generally
more packaging materials than food waste. Hospital and clinical waste include potentially
infectious and hazardous materials which are usually separated to reduce health risks (Rand,
Haukohl and Marxen, 2000)
2.1.8 Treatment plant wastes and other residues
The solid or semi-solid waste produced in treatment plants need to be managed.
Characteristics of the waste vary depending on the nature of the treatment process.
Wastewater treatment plants produce sludge which is usually disposed in municipal landfills.
Sludge from wastewater treatment plant is essential to be properly managed since it contains
heavy metals zinc, cooper, chromium, lead and mercury that can be hazardous to human
health and to the environment (Twardowska et al., 2005).

2.2 Solid Waste Management

The term solid waste management has been viewed differently by various authors. Kumah
(2007) defines solid waste management as “the administration of activities that provide for
the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment, and
disposal of waste”. On the other hand, Tchobanoglous et al., (1993), provide a more
comprehensive definition of solid waste management. According to them, solid waste
management is defined as “the discipline associated with the control of generation, storage,
collection, transfer and transport, processing and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that is
in accord with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation,
aesthetics and other environmental considerations and that is also responsive to public
attitudes”. Therefore, if solid waste management is to be accomplished in an efficient and
orderly manner, the fundamental aspects and relationships involved must be identified and
understood clearly (Dlamini, 2009). Solid waste management constitutes the following:
source separation, storage, collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste in an
environmentally sustainable manner.
2.3 The key elements in solid waste management
The key elements in solid waste management include: waste generation, storage, collection,
transfer and transport, processing and recovery and final disposal. This means that when
waste is generated it is first stored in either dustbins or skips. It is then collected and finally
disposed of in landfill or incinerated, depending on the nature of waste. Also, when waste is
collected it can be transferred from small collection equipment like the tricycle to a bigger
truck for final disposal. On the other hand, waste collected can be processed and recovered
for materials to be reused and or recycled. These elements are further explained below in
order of their process.
2.3.1 Waste generation
Waste generation encompasses those activities in which materials are identified as no longer
being of value and are either thrown away or gathered together for disposal. Industrialization
and urbanization has made people to move for rural areas to urban areas in search for jobs
and starting businesses, and this has made the management of solid waste huge and
complicated as the population density added new sources of waste.
2.3.2 Storage
Tchobanoglous et al., (1993) explain storage to mean where solid waste is stored before it is
collected. It could be stored in a skip or dustbins and not thrown away indiscriminately.
According to them, storage is of primary importance because of the aesthetic consideration.
Storage involves separation at source into specific waste fractions depending on material
characteristics, temporary storage in dustbins and containers before collection. Solid waste
can be stored in storage receptacles such as galvanized solid waste receptacle, plastics solid
waste receptacle and heavy duty plastic yard.
2.3.3 Collection
The term collection includes not only the gathering or picking up of solid wastes from the
various sources, but also the hauling of these wastes to the location where the contents of the
collection vehicles are emptied, (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). The unloading of the collection
vehicle is also considered part of the collection operation. While the activities associated with
hauling and unloading are similar for most collection systems, the gathering or picking up of
solid waste will vary with the characteristics of the facilities, activities or locations where
waste are generated and the methods used for onsite storage of accumulated wastes between
collections. Waste should be collected frequently and regularly in order to avoid
accumulation which leads to degradation of the environmental and aesthetic quality.
2.3.4 Transfer and Transport
According to Kreith (1994), transfer and transport involves two steps: (1) the transfer of
wastes from the smaller collection vehicle to the larger transport equipment and, (2) the
subsequent transport of the wastes, usually over long distances to the final disposal site.
Transfer and transport become a necessity when haul distances to available processing
centres or disposal sites increase so the direct haling is no longer economically feasible. They
also become a necessity when processing centres or disposal sites are sited in remote
locations and cannot be reached directly by highway.
2.3.5 Processing and recovery
The element of processing and recovery includes all the technology, equipment, and facilities
used both to improve the efficiency of other functional elements and to recover usable
materials, conversion products or energy from solid wastes (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). In
the recovery, separation operations have been devised to recover valuable resources from the
mixed solid wastes delivered to transfer stations or solid waste processing plants (Ndovu,
2011)
2.3.6 Final Disposal
The safe and reliable long term disposal of solid waste residues is an important component of
integrated solid waste management. It is the ultimate fate of all solid wastes collected and
transported directly to landfill site. A landfill can be defined as physical facility used for the
disposal of residual solid wastes in the surface soils of the earth, (Tchobanoglous et al.,
1993). Waste can also be disposed off in an incinerator, depending on the type of waste
(Mdluli, 2016).
2.4 Integrated solid waste management
Integrated solid waste management is the selection of and application of suitable techniques,
technologies and management programs to achieve the specific management objectives and
goal (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). Integrated solid waste management is a comprehensive
waste prevention, recycling and composting and disposal program. It also combines the most
appropriate waste management activities. Each activity requires planning and financing.
2.5 Integrated solid waste management hierarchy
It is composed by the following elements: source reduction, recycling, waste
transformation/recovery and disposal.
2.5.1 Source Reduction and Reuse
It is the highest rank in the ISWM hierarchy. It involves reducing the amount or toxicity of
the waste at the generation point. Source reduction is the most effective way in reduction of
quantity of waste, cost associated with handling and its environmental impacts. Waste
reduction can occur through the design, manufacture, and the packaging of products with
minimum toxic content, minimum volume of material and be durable. Source reduction may
also require a change in behaviour that cannot be legislated or regulated by government only
by social or peer pressure. Consumers can reduce waste by buying less and also using
products more efficiently (Vaughn, 2009). Reusing some materials can result in source
reduction for example bottles once they are returned. However, while everybody can
participate in source reduction, it affects their business. Source reduction can be encouraged
by ensuring that cost of waste management is fully internalized. Cost internalizing is through
prizing the service so that all costs are reflected. In waste management the cost that needs to
be internalized is the cost for pickup and transport, site and construction, administrative and
salary and environmental controls and monitoring (Nemerow et al., 2009).
2.5.2 Recycling
It plays an important role in helping to reduce the demand on resources and amount of waste
that ends up in landfills. This helps to stretch the capacity and life of landfills by reducing the
volume of waste (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). It is the second highest rank in the hierarchy
and it involves separation and collection of waste materials, the preparation of this waste for
reuse, reprocessing and manufacture, the reuse, reprocessing and remanufacture of these
materials. Factors that influence resource recovery are the cost of separating recyclable
material and the separated material, its purity, quantity and location. The cost of storage and
transport are the major factors that determine the economic potential for source recovery
(Zhu et al., 2008). Nemerow et al., (2009) states that recycling can be a problem if not done
in an environmental manner. Recycling centres often use toxic chemicals which require good
management. Poor management of these chemical can lead to degradation of the
environment.
2.5.3 Waste transformation/Recovery
Waste transformation involves physical, chemical, or biological alteration of waste. These
alterations applied to solid waste are to improve the efficiency of solid waste management
operation systems, to recover reusable and recyclable and to recover conversion products.
Waste transformation processes include composting and incineration. These processes reduce
the use of landfill capacity. Incineration reduces the waste volume as waste RWis
transformed into ashes (Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). Incineration of waste reduces the
volume of waste to be disposed in landfills, and it is an advantage if landfill space it limited
or the landfill is too far from the generation area. Moreover, incinerator bottom ash can be
used as a building material. Nemerow et al., (2009), argues that although incineration of
waste is beneficial, it is also costly. Incinerators require high degree of sophistication to
operate them safely and economically. Poor operation of incinerators poses risk to the public
health through the emissions and the toxicity of the ash.
2.5.4 Disposal
It is the lowest rank in the solid waste management hierarchy. Solid wastes that cannot be
recycled or reused are disposed in a landfill. Landfills are properly designed, constructed and
managed to minimize the health hazards associated with landfilling.
According to Dlamini (2009) in a sanitary landfill solid wastes are spreads out into layer,
compacted and covered daily with fresh layer of clay or plastic foam. Covering the waste
daily minimize the exposure of the waste to insect vectors that can spread diseases into food
and water. The landfill base is covered with and impermeable lining before disposing the
solid waste to collect leachate and prevent groundwater contamination. Landfills are mostly
used because they last longer and their capacity accommodates a wide variety of waste
(Cheremisinoff, 2003).
According to Tchobanoglous et al., (1993), landfill location should be acceptable to the
public and to the regulations. In most existing landfills the major concern is to ensure that
proper operation procedures and are followed carefully and routinely. Planning a landfill
requires the planners and managers to evaluate the community acceptance of the landfill
location, justification of the need for a landfill design and cost effectiveness and management
policies and regulation.
2.6 Factor contributing to indiscriminate solid waste disposal
Golush (2008), states that most indiscriminate disposal of solid waste is due to lack of public
awareness to the public health and environmental impacts of waste. Public awareness and
attitudes to waste can affect generators’ willingness to cooperate and operate in adequate
waste management practices. Magongo (2016) state that indiscriminate disposal of waste can
be a result of poor community attitudes to environmental health, inaccessibility and distance
to collection centres or points, availability or nearness to open space and open drains, absence
of legislation on solid waste disposal systems.
According to Ikiara et al. (2004), the cause of indiscriminate solid waste disposal can be due
to, low collection ratio of generated solid waste, inequality of collection service,
indiscriminate dumping in illegal dump sites and uncontrolled littering of unusable waste
materials, limited official dumpsite with no transfer facilities, and unsegregated waste. Home
collection of solid waste is limited to households of high and medium wealth, while the poor
dispose of their waste at communal collection containers, into surface drains, in open spaces,
and in water bodies. This can be attributed to factors like inaccessibility and distance to
collection centres, poor community attitude to environmental health, availability and nearness
to open spaces and open drains, absence or weak legislation on solid waste disposal among
other factors, the activities create adverse impact on the environment (Malaza, 2011).

2.7 Environmental Health Effects of Solid Waste

According to a study by Sankoh, Yan and Tran (2013) indiscriminate disposal of solid waste
result in numerous problems. Waste disposed in open dumpsite results in bad odours that
affect the nearby communities, once the solid wastes decompose. The study further stated
that openly disposed waste attracts animals such as flies, rats and other creatures that in turn
spread diseases to human. Organic domestic waste poses a serious threat since they ferment
creating favourable conditions to the survival and growth of microbial pathogens. Direct
handling of solid waste can result in various types of infectious and chronic diseases. Dlamini
(2017) states that the leachate from solid waste threatens public health by infiltrating to
groundwater particularly drinking water supply. The leachate may contain harmful metals
like mercury, lead, arsenic and other organic compounds which can cause diseases like
dermatitis and also damage the nervous system. Indiscriminate disposal of solid waste
degrade the environment. The leachates from the indiscriminately disposed solid waste
pollute the soil and affect the soil profile by destroying microorganisms living in the soil.
2.8 Solid Waste Management in Eswatini
According to the National Solid Waste Management Strategy (2003), waste management in
Eswatini is not fully developed and hence waste is still confined to the collection and disposal
methods. The growing waste management problem in Eswatini can be seen as a result of
many factors which may include industrialization, consumer patterns, and urbanization and
population growth. The National Solid Waste Management Strategy for Eswatini, (2003),
further states that waste prevention must be given first priority as per hierarchy level so to
reduce the waste that eventually ends up in landfills. Environmental audits also ought to be
conducted for environmental assessment of new projects, periodic audit of already existing
projects and programs and the review of activities in order to protect the environment where
activities take place.
2.9 Problems of solid waste management in Eswatini
According to the National Solid Waste Management Strategy (2003), the problems of solid
waste management in Swaziland are as follows;
1. Limited focus on control mechanisms
2. Adverse effect on safety, health and the environment

3. Insufficient information on waste

4. Inadequate waste planning

5. Poor management of hazardous waste

6. Little support for recycling

7. Inadequate waste collection services

8. Inadequate disposal services
9. Inadequate cost recovery for services

10. Regulations inadequately enforced

11. Solid waste management not a priority in many sectors

2.10 Legislation and policies on Solid Waste Management in Eswatini
2.10.1 Waste Regulations Act, 2000
The Waste Regulations Act under section 18, states that a person shall not collect, transport,
recover, treat, store, dispose or otherwise manage waste in a manner that will pose adverse
effects to the environment. If a person contravenes this regulation it is an offence and will be
convicted. Generators of commercial or industrial waste shall be responsible for collection,
transportation and disposal of waste in approved waste disposal facilities.
2.10.2 Environmental Management Act, 2002
The Environmental Management Act, 2002, in Part VI, (General Prohibition and Duty of
Care) also prohibit handling of waste in a manner that will cause adverse effects. Its states
that a person who imports, produces, collects, recovers, transports, keeps, treats or disposes
of waste shall take all reasonable measures to prevent adverse effects (Dlamini, 2002).

2.11 Solid waste management in Kwaluseni community

The Kwaluseni Solid Waste Management Committee is responsible for the provision of waste
management services. The collection of waste is not regular in Kwaluseni since solid waste
generators are responsible for funding the system. The Kwaluseni Solid Waste Committee
lack funds to pay for labour which results in the irregular collection of waste. A tractor is
used to collect waste to be deposited at the dumpsite.
The residents of Kwaluseni provide themselves with receptacles since the available
receptacles are few. Due to poor collection or transfer of waste to the dumpsite, residents are
compelled to burn it. Some residents lack receptacles which result in indiscriminate disposal
of waste within the community.
According to Swaziland Environment Authority (2003), the lack of space contribute to open
dumping as shop owners dispose solid waste adjacent to the shops. The continuous increase
of businesses results in a dense populated area that makes it difficult to use traditional ways
of waste disposal. Moreover, the increased number of people during the day hinders
traditional disposal methods as they can cause health problems.
3.0 METHODOLOGY

This section details the methodology, research design, study area, sampling procedures, data
collection methods, data collection instruments, data analysis technique.

3.1 Research Design

This will be a survey research study to assess the solid waste management systems used in
the Kwaluseni community to meet objectives of the study. The survey will allow the
researcher to gather information, summarize, present and interpret the information for the
purpose of clarification.

3.2 Area of the study

The study will be carried out at Kwaluseni community. Kwaluseni is situated in the Manzini
region, about 7km from Manzini city. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO, 2010)
the area had a population of 10365 people, 883 homesteads and 3964 household around 2010.

3.3 Sampling procedures

A stratified random sampling technique will be used to select a portion of the sample to
participate in the study. Dlamini (2017) stated that stratified sampling helps draw a
representative of the population on some characteristics of interest. To determine the
sampling size in relation to the population a Yamane simplified formula. Ndlovu (2011)
stated that the Yamane Simplified formula maybe used to determine the sample size of a
finite population in a descriptive research. The Yamane simplified formula is as follows;

N
n= 2
1+ N (e )

Where:
n -is the sample size
N -is the population size
e - Level of precision or sampling error

3.4 Data Collection

The study will rely on primary data through face to face interview with the aid of
questionnaires. The questionnaires will have open-ended and close-ended questions. An
observational checklist will be used to evaluate the standard of waste disposal and collection
in relation to solid waste management. A digital camera will be used to capture pictures as
part of data collection.

3.5 Data analysis procedure

Data collected will be analysed using statistics software, Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS).