Analysis of solid waste management in Kumi District: A case of Kumi Municipal Council
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the status of solid waste management in Kumi Municipality, Kumi District. The specific objectives were: To establish the causes of poor solid waste generation in Kumi Municipal Council, Kumi District, To establish the Challenges of solid waste disposal in Kumi Municipal Council, Kumi District and To establish the solutions or strategies for solid waste disposal in Kumi Municipal Council, Kumi District.
The study employed Case study research design using a qualitative research paradigm to collect data using, interviews and documentary review
The study found out that households are provided with ash pits to collect solid waste materials and thus makes it easy and cheaper to manage the waste. Some of the households took on the initiatives for having the waste containers themselves. This is rather a good step although after accumulation of this waste at a household level the problem of solid waste management comes up again at a community level hence magnifying the outcome. More so, communities engage into various facets of waste management like recycling and reusing, and reap the benefits. It was also revealed that there are some wastes collectors or individuals who have come up to do door-to-door to collect waste and they have been able to make a leaving out of it. In order to ensure environmental protection, the government through the various environmental protection bodies had tried its best in ensuring that they formulate and implement waste management ordinances as an important part of promoting a clean environment.
It was recommended that the authorities should help households with bin bags with labels on them. Households then sort out the waste themselves and place them in the right bags for collection. This makes the work less difficult. People should be employed to collect, sort and work in recycling companies. Others also get jobs with businesses that work with these recycling units. There can be a ripple of jobs in the municipality. It is also recommended that is also important to document performance of existing systems, measure and track where waste is already going and what is happening to it, especially the work of non-state actors and waste generators.