Abstract:
Waste management is a major problem in Ethiopia. “Waste management in Ethiopia remains a significant challenge, with rudimentary practices that primarily involve collecting and transporting waste to pits outside the city”. The research was aimed to assess the challenges and opportunities of waste management practices in the study area. Primary and secondary data sources were used and both qualitative and quantitative data types were applied. In the research a Simple random sampling method was used since, the research was done on the household level. A total of 385 households were initially targeted using Yamane’s sample size formula. However, due to incomplete responses, only 327 households were included in the final analysis. Additionally, 12 participants took part in FGDs. The study found that 51.1% of respondents were male, while 48.9% were female. The majority (44.4%) were aged between 25 and 35 years. Among them, 42.2% were married, and 46.7% had attained a degree or higher. Most of the respondents were married 42.2% and their educational status 46.7% were degree and above holders. However, 42.2% were have private jobs. 77.8% of the respondents identified the presence of challenges on waste management with mostly inadequate landfill disposal. 88.9% of the respondents believed the existence of opportunities on waste management practices in the study area with mostly reducing biodegradable waste at source. The FGs gave the current rate of waste management practices 5.7 out of 10 on average. The study reveals that the district faces significant challenges in waste collection, separation, recycling, and disposal, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards. According to the obtained result its recommended and important to Enhance Waste Collection Systems, Increase Awareness, Expand Infrastructure, Implement Regulations, Strengthen Institutional Arrangements, Invest in Technology, Community Engagement is needed
