INTRODUCTION

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Solid waste management covers the process of collecting, treating, and disposing of solid
materials that are no longer needed. It includes planning, administration, finances, engineering,
and legal aspects. The main objectives are to minimize environmental and health effects related
to waste. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_management)

Solid waste management encompasses the systematic handling, treatment, and disposal of
various types of solid waste generated by human activities. It involves strategies to minimize
waste production, promote recycling, and ensure safe disposal methods. Effective solid waste
management contributes to environmental sustainability, public health, and overall well-being.
(https://www.vedantu.com/biology/solid-waste-management)

Solid waste management encompasses the processes of gathering, treating, and disposing of solid
substances that are no longer valuable or necessary. Its objectives include addressing aspects
related to waste creation and disposal, such as public health, environmental effects, economic
factors, and visual appeal.

Solid waste encompasses any materials that are discarded or no longer wanted. This category
includes a variety of items such as paper, plastics, glass, and food waste. According to the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), solid waste can also comprise sludge from
industrial facilities or other materials discarded as a result of industrial, commercial, mining, and
agricultural activities. Interestingly, solid waste doesn’t necessarily have to be physically solid; it
can be in liquid, semi-solid, or even gaseous form. (https://blog.idrenvironmental.com/what-is-
solid-waste)

LITERATURE REVIEW

Title: A review of waste management practices and their impact on human health

Literature Review: Waste Management and Public Health

The management of waste has evolved from a rudimentary concern to a complex and organized
activity with the advancement of science and technology. This review focuses on summarizing
recent information on waste generation and disposal globally, with particular attention to the
European Union, OECD countries, and select developing nations like China. It also evaluates
epidemiological evidence concerning the direct and indirect impacts of waste management
activities on public health, emphasizing municipal solid waste (MSW) but also considering
bioaerosols from composting facilities, pathogens from sewage treatment plants, and even
radioactive waste. The assessment aims to provide insights into the health risks associated with
waste management activities and to identify areas for future research and policy development.

Waste Generation and Disposal:

The mass of waste generated globally has been on the rise, particularly in affluent countries,
correlating with economic growth. Municipal solid waste (MSW) alone exceeded 2 billion tons
annually by the turn of the millennium. This increase in waste generation poses significant
challenges for waste management practices, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable and
environmentally sound approaches. However, several pollution incidents linked to improper
waste management have raised concerns about environmental and human health impacts,
prompting governments to enact stricter regulations and introduce new waste management
frameworks.

Health Impacts:

Despite technological advancements and improved regulatory systems, public acceptance of new
waste disposal and treatment facilities remains low due to concerns about their potential adverse
effects on the environment and human health. Health issues are associated with various stages of
waste handling, treatment, and disposal, including recovery and recycling activities, composting,
incineration, and landfilling. These concerns have sparked numerous epidemiological
investigations to assess the relationship between waste management activities and human health
outcomes.
Epidemiological Investigations:

Epidemiological studies examining the impact of waste management activities on human health
are primarily observational due to ethical considerations. These studies typically assess
associations between exposure to waste management facilities and various health outcomes, such
as birth defects, cancers, and respiratory illnesses. However, the evidence linking waste
management to adverse health effects remains contentious, with many studies lacking direct
measures of human exposure and relying on proxies like residential proximity to waste facilities.
Recent research efforts have aimed to address these limitations by incorporating data on potential
exposure pathways and pollutant concentrations in the environment.

Landfilling:

Several reviews have suggested associations between proximity to landfill sites and adverse
health outcomes, including birth defects and certain cancers. However, most studies lack direct
exposure data, relying instead on residential information. Despite these associations, the
scientific evidence linking landfilling to adverse health effects remains inconclusive.

Title: Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Current Practices and

Environmental Implications

Waste management is a critical issue facing societies worldwide, with significant implications
for public health and environmental sustainability. This literature review provides a
comprehensive overview of current waste management practices, their environmental impacts,
and emerging trends in the field. By synthesizing existing research, this review aims to inform
policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the challenges and opportunities associated
with waste management.
Waste Generation and Composition:

The mass of waste generated globally has been steadily increasing, driven by population growth,
urbanization, and economic development. Municipal solid waste (MSW) constitutes a significant
portion of the waste stream, comprising household, commercial, and institutional waste.
However, industrial, construction, and hazardous wastes also contribute to the overall waste
burden. Understanding the composition and sources of waste is essential for designing effective
waste management strategies tailored to specific contexts.

Waste Management Practices:

Waste management practices vary widely across regions and countries, influenced by factors
such as socioeconomic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and technological capabilities.
Common waste management approaches include landfilling, incineration, recycling, composting,
and waste-to-energy conversion. While landfilling remains the most prevalent method of waste
disposal globally, there is a growing emphasis on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to
minimize environmental pollution and conserve resources. Innovative technologies, such as
anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis, offer promising alternatives for converting waste into energy
or valuable products.

Environmental Impacts:

Improper waste management practices pose significant environmental risks, including air and
water pollution, soil contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction. Landfills
are sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while incineration can release harmful
pollutants such as dioxins and heavy metals into the atmosphere. Moreover, inadequate waste
disposal infrastructure in developing countries exacerbates environmental degradation and public
health concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management solutions.
Emerging Trends and Challenges:

Recent trends in waste management focus on circular economy principles, resource recovery,
and extended producer responsibility. Governments and industries are increasingly adopting
policies and initiatives to promote waste minimization, product stewardship, and the circular
flow of materials. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding,
and limited public awareness hinder progress towards sustainable waste management.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from stakeholders across sectors and
innovative approaches that prioritize environmental protection and community well-being.

In conclusion, waste management is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires holistic
solutions to minimize its adverse impacts on the environment and human health. This literature
review highlights the importance of adopting integrated waste management strategies that
prioritize waste prevention, resource recovery, and environmental stewardship. By promoting
sustainable practices and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, we can create a more
resilient and environmentally sustainable future for generations to come.

METHODOLOGY
(1)
Study area

It has a total area of 46,000 hectare. the total population of Gelemso is 43,837 (23,735 males and
20,102 females). The waste management system of the community is comprising of 10 members
and one waste collection service vehicle and two shared containers are allocated for this
purpose. There’s no official dumping site where they dump the waste, the collected wastes are
damped to an open area in the boarder of the city The MSE members are responsible for picking
waste from home-to-home, and shared container and roadsides to the final damping site,
however, the MSE (Micro and small enterprise) collect wastes only from registered and
households who are willing to pay monthly service charges.

Study design and sample size determination

This study aimed to assess the households’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of solid waste
management and associated factors in Gelemso town. A community-based cross-sectional study
design was used. a systematic random sampling technique was used to select households. 396
participants were involved. The researcher obtained total list of names and number of households
(5144) from Gelemso municipality office. the first household was located by lottery method and
the next household was selected by every 13th (kth) from the total lists of the households.

Data analysis

Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0 software. From 390 households included
in the study, 61.3% of them were females.

Data collection

Participatory mixed approaches (both qualitative and quantitative procedures) were used to
collect data from the households. The questionnaire consists of both open and closed ended
questions about socio-demographics, households’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards
SWM.

Result

A. B.
A. Multiple responses of households showing the current status of solid waste volume
and composition in Gelemso town
B. Household responses towards city government solid waste collection and disposal
services.
(2)

Study area

In order to address the aim of the present study, a quantitative survey research design was
adopted. A survey is a systematic method of gathering primary data from samples of entities that
belong to a larger population.

Data collection

Primary data were collected via online surveys with self-administered questionnaires completed
by respondents.

Sample size

The total number of participants were (n = 286).

Data analysis

Online questionnaire was given the data was analyzed there.

Result

The study revealed that most (77%) respondents were aware of waste management and
the rest of the 23% of the participant were not.
(3)

Study design

This study was conducted community-based cross-sectional study. using a semi structured
questionnaire.

Study area

The study was carried out in Kasubi Parish in Rubaga Division, Kampala. Kasubi comprises one
of the largest slums located in the outskirts of Kampala. It has a population of 384,386 people
living in over nine zones.

Sampe size and sampling

sample size of 401 households was obtained. the sample size was distributed proportionately
based on population size across the six selected out of the nine zones.

Data collection

Data were collected using a semi structured questionnaire and observational checklist.

Data analysis

Data were examined and cleaned on a daily basis during data collection and entered in EpiData
version 3.02 (EpiData association; Denmark).

Results

Plastic waste 18%

Ashes and dust 29.4%

Flies in the area 64.6%

Improper waste management 58.7%

(4)
Study Design:

Descriptive co-relational study design was used to assess the awareness and practice of
household solid waste management among the community people. The study was conducted
from July 2019 to June 2020.

Study Participant:

A total of 112 participants were selected with the convenience sampling technique.

Instruments:

A total of 37 items structured questionnaire was used to assess the awareness and practice of
household solid waste management.

Data Collection:

The data were collected from the participants by face-to-face interview through the door-to-door
survey by using a structured questionnaire.

Data Analysis:

The collected data were analyzed using a computer software program (SPSS version 21).
Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and SD were used to measure the
variables.
Inferential statistics such as independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation test
were used to examine the relationship between awareness and practice.
Results were evaluated using 95% confidence intervals and the level of significance was set at p
< 0.05.
Results:

Finding of the study shows that the mean awareness regarding household solid waste
management was 7.96 (SD = 1.64) and the mean practice was 2.94 (SD = 1.35) respectively. It
indicates that the awareness and practice of community people were at a moderate level. In
bivariate analysis, it has been shown that training on household solid waste management (“P <
0.001”), and recyclable waste (p = 0.019) were statistically significantly correlated with
household solid waste management practice.
(5)

Study conducted:

The study was conducted in April 2008

Study Area:

10 rural and two urban Kebeles of Kersa Demographics Surveillance and Health Research
Center (KDS-HRC) project site

Study population:

The study area had a population of 48,192 distributed in 12 kebeles (19).

Study Design:

A cross sectional study design was used to assess the status of waste management.

Sample Size:

The sample size was calculated using a population proportion formula which gave a total size of
444 study households)

Data Collection:

Structured questionnaire and observational check list was used to collect data. The interview
questionnaire was administered in Oromiffa, the local language in the study area

Data Analysis:

The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 16 statistical program. Statistical test for
significance were carried out at 5% level of significance and 95% confidence level.

Results:

The majority of the households, (66%) disposed solid wastes in open dumps and only 6.9% of
the

households had temporary storage means for solid waste. About 98.4 % of the respondents
revealed that the
responsibility of waste management is left for women and girls. Only 36.4% households had
latrines and almost all

were simple unsanitary traditional pits. From those households with latrine the habit of hand-
washing after defecation

was reported to be only about 5.1%. The habit of hand washing after defecation is significantly
associated with the

educational status of the respondents (P<0.01).

ANALYSIS

CONCLUSION

REFERENCE
Mengistie, B., & Baraki, N. (2010). Community based assessment on
household management of waste and hygiene practices in Kersa
Woreda, Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiopian Journal of Health
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Sultana, S., Islam, M. S., Jahan, F., & Khatun, F. (2021). Awareness and
practice on household solid waste management among the community
people. Open Journal of Nursing, 11(5), 349-366.

Magagula, B. K., Rampedi, I. T., & Yessoufou, K. (2022). Household

Pharmaceutical Waste Management Practices in the Johannesburg
Area, South Africa. International journal of environmental research
and public health, 19(12), 7484. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127484

Ssemugabo, C., Wafula, S. T., Lubega, G. B., Ndejjo, R., Osuret, J.,
Halage, A. A., & Musoke, D. (2020). Status of Household Solid Waste
Management and Associated Factors in a Slum Community in
Kampala, Uganda. Journal of environmental and public health, 2020,
6807630. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6807630

Eshete, H., Desalegn, A., & Tigu, F. (2023). Knowledge, attitudes and
practices on household solid waste management and associated
factors in Gelemso town, Ethiopia. PloS one, 18(2), e0278181.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278181