Household Solid Waste Generation and Stakeholders’ Attitude towards its Management in Habiganj, Bangladesh

Abstract

Improper solid waste management is one of the causes of environmental degradation in the developing countries like Bangladesh which results uncollected waste on roads and public places. The objective of the study was to quantify and characterize household solid waste (HSW) as well as to observe the stakeholders' attitudes towards its management in Habiganj for the formulation of frame work for sustainable solid waste management. The study was carried out in Habiganj Municipality with structured questionnaire including some attitudinal questions. Fifty two (52) households were randomly selected and daily wastes from the households were collected, segregated and weighed to quantify and characterize the waste. Waste generation rate was found 1.15 kg/(hh·d) and 0.25 kg/(person·d). Generation of waste varied low to high income groups ranging from 0.76 to 1.71 kg/(hh·d). Families with more individuals and high educational level generated a larger quantity of solid waste per day. High percentage of organic waste was found in HSW. The majority of the stakeholders (65%) were taken waste disposal service from a local organization and 55% of them were found to be satisfied. Most of the respondents (65%) thought that the municipality is the responsible body for SW management. As the authority couldn't able to manage their wastes properly, the majority of stakeholders felt their interests to pay willingly to community-based organization (CBO) on monthly payment basis. Finally, the authors proposed a framework for sustainable management of solid waste through CBO which will facilitate the responsible policy makers of Bangladesh for planning and executing protocols.