Solid waste management practices in Pallisa District : A case of Pallisa Town Council, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the managerial processes of solid waste management in Pallisa District. Pallisa Town Council was the case study. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to assess the planning, organizing tools and practices engaged in Pallisa Town Council in managing solid waste; to examine the leading and controlling practices engaged by Pallisa Town Council in managing solid waste; and to identify possible mechanisms of improving solid waste management in Pallisa Town Council The study used a cross sectional survey design. Data were collected from 34 respondents comprising of councilors, staff (employees) and top management officials. Questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection while Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling were used to select the informants. Data were analyzed using SPSS and frequency percentage tables generated (for questionnaires)

Findings of the study indicated many deficiencies in planning and organizing for solid waste management. Notable, was insufficient budgeted funds, lack of training and failure to make research on productive use of waste. On leading and controlling, the study found that machinery and modern technology for waste management was lacking and as well, motivation was low as well as failure to cater for occupational safety of the staff. A number of mechanisms for improvements were supported by the respondents which when implemented would bring about improved waste management.

The study concluded that poor planning and organizing as well as controlling and leading greatly affected the management of solid waste in Pallisa Town Council. The study recommended the need for involvement of the public in waste management planning; need for training the households on best practices of waste management and need for sourcing for better waste handling and recycling equipment among others.