Assessement Of Household Solid Waste Generation, Composition And Management Practice: The Case Of Kombosha Town In Horo Guduru Wollega, Oromia, West Ethiopia

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.