Household’s willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services in Mukono Municipality, Uganda

Abstract

Waste management still remains a big challenge in most urban cities in Uganda. The study sought to investigate the household’s willingness to pay (WTP) for improved solid waste collection services in Mukono municipality in Uganda. The objectives of the study were: i) to examine the current solid waste management practices used by households in Mukono municipality; ii) to investigate the factors that influence household’s willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services in Mukono municipality and iii) to estimate the mean WTP and to find out the factors that influence the amount that households are willing to pay for improved solid waste collection services in Mukono municipality. A total of 400 households in nine (9) wards were systematically selected with a random start from two (2) divisions in Mukono Municipality. The study employed a double-bounded contingent valuation method through face to face interviews using the contingent valuation method questionnaire developed. Descriptive analysis was used to establish the current solid waste management practices used by the households in mukono municipality. A probit regression model was used to establish the factors influencing household’s willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services. Household’s mean willingness to pay per month was estimated through the double-bounded contingent valuation method while the interval estimation method was used to determine the factors affecting the amount that households are willing to pay per month for solid waste collection service. Results showed that the most common waste management practice used by households was burning (44.5%). The study established that 46.8% of the respondents were willing to pay for the improvement in solid waste collection services. This portrays hope for successful implementation of the program especially if it is well planned. The probit model results revealed that income, gender, whether a household is satisfied with the current solid waste collection services and those already paying for solid waste collection services significantly affect the willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services. While income, gender and whether a household is satisfied with the current solid waste collection services were observed to have a positive relationship with WTP, there was a negative relationship between those who were already paying and willingness to pay. The factors influencing the amount that households were willing to pay included; income, gender, existence of a back yard, home ownership and education level. The household’s mean willingness to pay for improved solid waste collection services was estimated to be USh 2,260 (US$ 0.611) 1per month. The study therefore, recommended that sensitization of the people in Mukono municipality on the value of proper solid waste management should be conducted. Secondly, a vibrant solid waste collection system should be established in the municipality lest the quality of the health of the environment and human population will be compromised. Lastly, the estimated mean willingness to pay value should be the amount that policy makers should ask households to pay per month, if solid waste is to be collected on a door-to-door basis.