Assessment Of Household Solid Waste Management Practices In Kampala-Uganda: Case Study Of Kansanga In Makindye Division

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess household solid waste management practices in Kasanga parish in Kampala, Uganda. The specific objectives were to assess the solid waste management practices; to examine the knowledge of solid waste management practices among individual household; and to assess the magnitude of solid waste management problems.

A descriptive study design that involving both qualitative and quantitative research approaches of data collection methods, analysis presentations were used. This study targeted 385 residents of Kasanga parish in Makinday division where 196 respondents were studied. These were reached through purposive and random sampling. Observation, questionnaires and interviews were used during the collection of primary data. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results were presented using tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Results showed 81.6% agreed that they use sacks to collect solid waste; 74.5% agreed that solid waste is collected from generation to the transfer/storage sites. 61.2% use curbside collection; 76.5% agreed that setout collection system is available and its encouraged by KCCA; 85.2% agreed with the transportation of solid waste is done using appropriate equipment; and 74.5% agreed that open dumping spaces are commonly used as final disposal facilities. On the side of the knowledge of solid waste management practices among individual household in Kansanga Kampala the majority (88.8%) had knowledge. Lastly, 76.5% agreed that negligence by local leaders about their roles of ensuring solid waste management; 67.9% agreed that improper waste management precipitates the occurrence of air pollution; 85.2% agreed that disposal of industrial waste with municipal waste exposes people to chemical and radioactive hazard; and 91.3% agreed that improper management of waste pollutes the sources of water and cause typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery.

The findings highlight the need for going educational, informational and improving on the solid waste management of the respondents to address the knowledge gaps and poor practices of solid waste in order to improve on the way solid waste is managed in the area.