Abstract:
Most of the developed countries recognized that household solid waste generation, physical
composition and its effective management is very crucial for survival in addition to secure the safety
of environment and human health. Because of various reasons, developing countries like Ethiopia
does not begin to see the economic benefits of solid waste yet, they even dump the solid waste in
unauthorized sites. The major objectives of this study are to assess the households’ solid waste
generation rate, physical composition and management practices in Kombosha town. So as to achieve
the expected objectives, data collected from 132 households and were data sources questionnaire,
interview, field measurement and personal observation. The findings of this study revealed that the
present solid waste generation, physical composition and management practices in Kombosha town
entirely relied on the municipality which provided the full range of waste generation, collection, and
transportation and disposal service. But, the provision of this service kept in pace with the town solid
waste generation. Municipal solid waste management of the town is in very low status and spatial
coverage. This poor status of Municipal solid waste management is also intensified by limited
participation and contribution of stakeholders’ i.e. unsatisfactory participation of communities, no
collaboration b/n municipality staff and health bureau and poor households’ solid waste management
practices resulted from improper handling of solid waste storage materials, low level of solid waste
separation and resource recovery activities, and illegal solid waste disposal system.
The daily total solid waste generation of households to 0.66kg/HH/day. As estimated by respondents,
out of the SW generated from HH, almost none of it is 108 (82%) reused. Out of the total respondents
21(16%) reused the SW in part. The interview and suggestion of some respondents pointed out that
the very small amount of reuse activity is mostly done by waste collectors during the separation of
waste for transportation process. Therefore, the best ways that used to tackle the above problems are:
execution of sustainable solid waste management systems (reuse, recycle, composting, and
incineration) through awareness creation and training residents and implementation of integrated
MSWM approach which recognizes and comprises all stakeholders. Therefore, it is recommended
that the municipal should develop proper infrastructure, and prepare proper disposal sites where
municipal solid wastes can be disposed. Awareness raising among the inhabitants and also
organizing the youth groups in small and micro enterprises in solid waste management activities is
found to be important.
