Journal Article

Assessment of household solid waste characteristics, quantity, and management practices in Dangila Town, Ethiopia

Amogne, Abayneh Agumass, Yalew, Kalkidan Waganeh

2024

Overview

Solid waste refers to the material that is discarded because of human activity. In developing countries like Ethiopia, rapid urbanization leads to the production of large amounts of solid waste in towns. As a consequence, it causes severe problems to human health, aesthetics, and the environment, particularly in Dangila Town. Therefore, this study aimed to assess household solid waste characteristics, quantity, and management practices. Data was collected for seven days in January 2020 from 73 households, which were divided into three income groups. Observations, interviews, field measurements, sorting, and open-ended questionnaires were used as data collection tools. The research showed that food waste and ash and dust were the most dominant fractions, comprising 41.04% and 26.18%, respectively. It was also revealed that 77.88%, 12.74%, and 9.38% of household solid waste was decomposable, recyclable, and disposable waste, respectively. Furthermore, the waste components showed a significant statistical difference among income groups, except for the metal and miscellaneous groups. The quantification result indicated that the per capita household generation rate was 0.26 kg/day. The management practice assessment found that most households did not practice integrated solid waste management options. They disposed of waste indiscriminately, leading to environmental pollution. The results of this study suggest that the municipality needs to create awareness among households regarding proper solid waste management practices. It is crucial to apply appropriate solid waste management mechanisms and establish a well-organized institution that will collect solid waste in the town and achieve a circular economy.

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: aesthetics / Atmospheric particulates / Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution / Circular economy / Data collection / Developing countries / dust / Earth and Environmental Science / Ecology / Ecotoxicology / Environment / Environmental Management / Environmental pollution / Environmental Pollution - statistics & numerical data / Ethiopia / Family Characteristics / Food waste / High income / Households / human health / Humans / income / Industrial development / Industrialized nations / LDCs / Monitoring/Environmental Analysis / Municipal solid waste / pollution / Population growth / Public health / Recycling / Refuse Disposal - methods / Refuse Disposal - statistics & numerical data / Solid Waste - analysis / Solid waste management / Solid wastes / Standard of living / Statistical analysis / Towns / Urbanization / Waste characteristics / Waste management / Waste Management - methods