Abstract:
A Daily human activity generates solid waste, which became serious public health problem.
Population growth together with the rapid urban development and expansion created serious
human health and environmental degradation. The aim of this study was to assess municipal
solid waste generation rate, characterization of the physical and chemical properties and
management practices in Chelenko town of Meta District, Eastern Ethiopia. In this research,
descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches was
implemented. The 134 households were chosen by systematic random sampling considering
low income, middle income and high-income levels. The daily waste generated by the three
sectors were collected and sorted into its component parts with the weight of each component
recorded. A household survey, questionnaire, interview and field observation, were employed
to gather data on the socioeconomic situation, solid waste generated and existing waste
management practices. For chemical analysis, a homogenized biodegradable waste was used
in the laboratory. The solid waste generated per capita was 0.31kg/cap/day, 1.9 kg/day, and
0.14 kg/day for households, commercial, and government offices respectively. Solid waste
generation shows positive correlation with family size, educational level and monthly income.
The households’ biodegradable waste was dominant 68.85% with portion of food waste 36%,
commercial center’s was dominant 64% with fraction of food waste 30% and government
Offices’ was dominant 57.5% with portion of cardboard and paper accounted for 34%. The
solid waste management practices were poor and need more attention. The municipality
should make due attention for participation, awareness, educational, strategic planning, and
institutional arrangement and efficient management practices on solid waste. Thus, strong
collaboration should be needed between the municipality, health office and other stakeholders
to solve problems concerning solid wastes in Chelenko Town. The results of this study are
important to the town administration to know the solid waste generation in the town and make
the necessary decision on its management. Hence, the study might bring functional solutions
for addressing solid waste management problem in the study area.
