Patterns and correlates of solid waste disposal practices in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the patterns and correlations of solid waste disposal practices among households in urbanized and populated Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. The Tanzanian Household Budget Survey (HBS) data covering many households' characteristics was used. Multinomial Logit (MNL) model was applied to examine the underlying correlates of choosing ways to dispose garbage. About 35% of the households used rubbish bin, and approximately 24% used throwing out option. MNL estimation suggest that distance, home ownership, household expenditure proxy for income, age, proportions of family members and education were statistically significant in influencing the choice of ways to dispose garbage in the city. This study suggest to policy makers to rely much on policies that will reduce poverty and raise households’ income. And the city to increase the supply of waste containers on streets, the number of municipal vehicles for garbage collection and to ensure there is regular collection. Key words: Solid waste, garbage, waste disposal, waste management, Multinomial Logit model.