MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE GENERATION RATE, CHARACTERIZATION AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN CHELENKO TOWN, META DISTRICT, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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.