Solid waste management in municipalities in Uganda: A case of Kabale Municipality

Abstract

The study was to examine the current situation of solid waste management in Kabale Municipality and thereby propose ways in which the public and private sector can contribute to make waste management sustainable. It was guided by the following objectives; to examine the waste management practices in Kabale Municipality, assess the challenges faced in waste management in Kabale Municipality and determine the role of public and private sector in tackling the waste management problem in Kabale Municipality. The study utilized the descriptive method. The research also used cross-section study and a mixed methods approach (i.e. qualitative and quantitative designs) was used. In this study, both methods were utilized for instance the qualitative opinions that were got were confirmed by statistical data. Finally, the study used in-depth interviews, targeting 100 respondents. The study revealed that despite the lack of measures that ensure reduction, reuse and recycling of solid wastes by the respective actors, an improvement in the management of domestic wastes in Kabale municipality has resulted from the partnership. Metal recycling and organic waste composting is privately undertaken by a local Community Based Organization which is not in any way supported by the municipal authority. The introduction of waste transfer points and smaller vehicles supplemented by the use of wheelbarrows has increased access to areas that were previously unreachable. The Kabale municipality Waste Management Ordinance should be amended to include clauses addressing household waste separation in the whole of Kabale District. This will help in enhancing the reuse, recycling and recovery of materials at the household level. The ultimate result will be reduced waste collection, transportation and disposal costs that are incurred by all the actors in waste management. Kabale municipality and all stakeholders concerned with sanitation should allocate enough budgets for the provision of SWM services and development of better waste management through waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Kabale municipality and the Sanitation Company should re-train their staff on the knowledge in waste collection, knowledge of waste transfer and knowledge of disposal.