Evaluation of effectiveness of solid waste management practices in a socially diverse urban community :

Abstract

Solid waste Management is both an urban and rural problem. Every individual generate solid waste and hence contribute to this problem. The study was conducted in Lira Municipality, Lira district located in Lango sub-region in Northern Uganda. The results of the findings will also be used in workshops and seminars on solid waste management discussion. The study will also be important to policy makers to improve solid waste management in towns and cities. The main objective of this study was to find out problems resulting from indiscriminate disposal of solid waste. Other objectives were to find out reasons for indiscriminate disposal of solid waste among different sectors. Existing methods for solid waste management practiced by different social classes of residents in Lira municipality. Reasons for delayed removal of solid waste from designated collection points. Measures, among different stakeholders for improving solid waste management within the municipality. Data was collected using questionnaires, using available information and observations. After all, the data is collected it was entered into the computer for analysis using the statistical package for social scientist (SPSS). The data was being presented using tables, percentages and charts to describe the residents' responses about indiscriminate disposal of solid waste, measures among different stakeholders for improving solid waste management and Existing methods for solid waste management practiced by different classes of residents. The findings revealed that the major cause of indiscriminate disposal of solid waste was inadequate disposal facilities. The majority of the solid wastes are removed from the designated collection by the municipality once a week The study makes a number of conclusions in regards to limited fund are allocated by the municipality to purchase and construct solid waste facilities making people addicted to the habit of disposing of solid waste in public places, waterways and any other open space. Solid waste collection and removal from designated collection points in Lira municipal are the responsibility of the municipality. Solid waste especially within the collection points and waste pickers collect solid waste from' undesignated collection points.