Improper management of solid waste poses many challenges to the stakeholders such as residents, council authorities, business community and other support groups. The general objective of the study is to assess the sustainability of waste management in Glendale. The researcher used case study research design in conjunction with mixed methods research in the study. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to collect data. The target population for the study consisted of residents of Valley, Westville Park and Sisk, council authorities, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) officer, waste collectors, members of community based organizations (CBOs) and the environmental health officer. The total population was 569 and the sample size was 235. Stratified systematic sampling was employed to select 220 households and the rest except CBO members were picked using purposive sampling. CBO members were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire, interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), observations as well as secondary data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 as well as Pearson Chi square test. The results of the study indicated that solid waste management in Glendale is inefficient. Four and half tonnes of waste is generated per day in Glendale but only 2.0tonnes is collected and 2.5tonnes is left uncollected. It was noted that the waste is mainly decomposable organic. There is widespread illegal dumping of waste, inconsistent collection of waste, insufficient provision of receptacles and the council’s official dump site is illegal. The council dumped waste on an illegal dumpsite characterised by open dumping and burning of waste. It was also noted that the waste was not separated according to type at the source. The study recommended an increase in awareness campaigns to ensure a change in the attitudes of the residents especially in connection with managing sanitary waste. In addition, the council should play its part by collecting waste frequently by increasing the size of its fleet for waste collection. The decomposable organic waste should also be used for generation of biogas.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Chapter Introduction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions/ Hypotheses
1.5 Assumptions of the Study
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Limitations of the Study
1.8 Delimitations of the Study
1.9 Definition of Key Terms
1.10 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Chapter Introduction
2.2 Introduction
2.3 Conceptual Framework
2.3.1 Elements of SLA
2.3.2 Advantages of Sustainable Livelihood Approach
2.3.3 Disadvantages of the sustainable livelihoods Framework
2.4 Empirical Research
2.5 Justification of the Study
2.6 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 3
DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Chapter introduction
3.2 Description of the study area
3.3 Research Methodology
3.3.1 Research Design
3.3.2 Population, Sample and Sampling Techniques used in the Study
3.4 Instruments used to Collect Data
3.4.2 Focus Group Discussions
3.4.4 Observations
3.5 Procedure for Collecting Data
3.6 Data Analysis and Presentation
3.7 Chapter Summary
CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Chapter Introduction
4.2 Characteristics of Respondents
4.3 Nature of solid waste management
4.4 Solid waste collection and transportation
4.5 Challenges faced by stakeholders in managing solid waste
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Summary
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
5.4.1 Recommendations for the residents
5.4.2 Recommendations the council authorities
5.4.3 Recommendations for EMA
5.4.4 Recommendations for the corporate world
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the sustainability of solid waste management practices within the township of Glendale, Zimbabwe. The study investigates how current waste handling methods impact public health, the environment, and the overall quality of life, while identifying significant operational inefficiencies and infrastructural gaps.
- Sustainability assessment of current solid waste management frameworks.
- Analysis of waste generation patterns and disposal behaviors across different residential densities.
- Identification of systemic challenges faced by council authorities and various stakeholders.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of community-based waste initiatives.
- Recommendations for optimizing waste collection, recycling, and resource recovery systems.
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
Solid waste management is very critical in the view of public health and sustainable development. It curbs the spread of diseases such as cholera and also creates opportunities for employment. Local authorities have challenges in solid waste management due to lack of resources, rapid population growth and rural urban migration.
Poor solid waste management has created challenges worldwide and Zimbabwe particularly Glendale. Glendale generates large amounts of waste which is poorly disposed of. Solid waste collection in Glendale is very erratic and some cases some suburbs can go for more than a month without receiving such a service. The proliferation of illegal solid waste dumpsites in and around Glendale is creating serious challenges in terms of air, water and land pollution .This has increased the risk of spread of diseases such as cholera. Such practices are inconsistent with sustainable development. The existing dump site, which is an open dump site, can no longer cope with the increasing demand of the waste generated as the population increases and commercial activities such as vending are sprouting in many parts of the township. The loose papers and plastics from the open dump site are scattered all over the area by the wind which significantly reduces the aesthetic value of the area.
Many studies have been done on solid waste and most of these revolved around analysis of current solid waste management in order to find lasting solutions to the challenges faced in the areas studied (Regassa et al., 2011; Kayode & Omole, 2011; Chikobvu & Makarati, 2011; Cherdsatirkul, 2012; Schwarz-Herion et al., 2008). Many scholars who have studied evaluation of solid waste management concentrated on the challenges and opportunities. Very few studies have been done in semi-urban areas for example in Nigeria (Olukanni et al., 2014).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: This chapter introduces the research context, outlining the study's background, problem statement, research objectives, and the significance of assessing solid waste management in Glendale.
CHAPTER 2: The literature review explores conceptual and theoretical frameworks related to solid waste management and sustainable development, identifying gaps in existing research.
CHAPTER 3: This chapter details the study area and the mixed methods research methodology employed, including data collection instruments and sampling techniques.
CHAPTER 4: This chapter presents and discusses the empirical findings regarding solid waste practices, generation rates, and the challenges faced by local stakeholders.
CHAPTER 5: The final chapter summarizes the study's conclusions and provides specific recommendations for residents, council authorities, and other relevant bodies to improve waste sustainability.
Keywords
Solid waste management, Sustainability, Glendale, Waste collection, Illegal dumping, Environmental health, Community-based organizations, Waste segregation, Recycling, Municipal waste, Public health, Urban development, Waste generation, Stakeholders, Waste disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The research provides an assessment of the current sustainability and efficiency of solid waste management systems in Glendale, Zimbabwe, focusing on the specific challenges encountered in the Valley, Westville Park, and Sisk suburbs.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
The core themes include waste collection infrastructure, the environmental and health impacts of improper disposal, the socio-economic factors influencing waste generation, and the roles of local authorities and community organizations.
What is the main objective of this study?
The primary goal is to assess the sustainability of solid waste management in Glendale and to suggest actionable ways to enhance the effectiveness of the current framework.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The researcher employed a case study research design incorporating mixed methods. This involved both quantitative data collection through household questionnaires and qualitative data gathered via focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body examines the nature of generated waste, analyzes the frequency and reliability of collection services, evaluates the challenges faced by stakeholders, and discusses statistical associations between demographic factors and waste management practices.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include solid waste management, sustainability, waste segregation, recycling, municipal waste, and environmental health.
How does the study address the role of community-based organizations (CBOs)?
The study highlights how CBOs assist in educating residents about waste practices and organize clean-up campaigns, though it also notes the resistance some residents show toward new waste handling initiatives.
What are the specific challenges associated with the council's waste management?
Major issues include a severe shortage of transport and equipment, infrequent or erratic collection schedules, inadequate provision of receptacles, and the reliance on an illegal, open, and poorly maintained dump site.
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- Nhamo Marunga (Autor:in), 2015, An assessment of solid waste management in a local authority, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/420956