Household willingness to pay for improved solid waste management in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Disposal of solid waste is a priority environmental problem in Sri Lanka and at present it has become a national concern. In a way of treating waste, this study was focused on analyzing the willingness to pay of the households for an improved solid waste management service in Eravur Urban Council, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Proportionate sampling was done and from five Grama Niladhari divisions a total of 100 households were studied. Binomial logistic regression was employed to find out the determinants of household willingness to pay. Results revealed that the average household income and expenditure were Rs 34,440 and Rs 32,850 per month respectively. Mean quantity of solid waste generated by households was 2.61 kg/day. Fifty nine percent of the households were willing to pay for an improved service. Most of the households (86.45%) preferred a monthly payment through collection tickets. Mean willingness to pay of households was Rs 59.92/month. The logistic regression results revealed that household size and household expenditure significantly and positively influences the household willingness to pay. Quantity of waste generated, number of times disposing the waste and gender had a negative coefficient and were significant (p<0.05). It is recommended that households should be educated on effective solid waste disposal through regular sensitization programmes by a collaborative effort of key stakeholders in the solid waste management.