Factors that Influence Management of Solid Waste/Refuse Among Community Members of Rukigiri Municipal Council in Rukungiri District.
Abstract
Background: waste management is a challenge especially in developing countries due to limited resources yet an ever increasing bulk of solid waste is generated in municipalities like RMC due to the increased trend of urbanization.
Methodology: The study was cross sectional involving quantitative methods of data collection. A total number of 126 respondents were conveniently sampled for the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire by the researcher. Data analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Objective: To determine the factors that influence solid waste/ refuse management among community members in Rukungiri Municipal Council, Rukungiri District.
Results: The study showed that majority 115 (91.3%) stored waste or used communal refuse bunkers which seemed to be proper waste management but 104 (82.5%) reported to have lacked proper storage containers at their homes and 121(96%) were concerned that refuse bankers were insufficient. It was also identified that the largest proportion of respondents 89(70.7%) felt the refuse was poorly managed and 76 (60.3%) had a perception that waste management was not their responsibility it was a role of the municipal council. Majority 113 (89.7%) of the respondents knew the importance of solid waste management but 96 (76.2%) lacked knowledge about recycling.
Conclusion: Refuse is poorly managed in Rukungiri municipal council both at household level and at public collection points (communal bunkers).The challenges identified are lack of appropriate storage containers at household level ,insufficient communal bunkers, mixing of waste, and delay in waste collection by the waste gangs/ municipal vehicles . The poor waste management is also attributed to the community’s perception that, it is the municipal council’s responsibility.
Recommendations: There is need for active community involvement in planning and all processes of waste management, to ensure clarity of their roles starting at house hold level. The community also needs sensitization on proper waste storage with emphasis on sorting and recycling.