Analysis of Domestic Solid Waste Management and Willingness to Pay for Solid Waste Collection in Informal Settlements of Mzuzu City, Malawi

Abstract

Previous reports show that there is limited formal solid waste collection in informal settlements of Mzuzu City. Furthermore, there is scanty data about willingness to pay (WTP) for solid waste collection services. The main objective of the study was to evaluate domestic solid waste disposal methods and willingness to pay for solid waste collection in informal settlements of Mzuzu City, Malawi. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGD’s), and observations. Simple random sampling was used to select households. Purposive sampling was used to select the key informants and FDG participants. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the data in Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS). The study found that rubbish pits were the common disposal method (78.2 %). Indiscriminate solid waste disposal was rampant to an extent that baby diapers were seen in open spaces. The study further found that majority of respondents (85.8%, n=600) were willing to pay for solid waste collection at an average amount of K1, 507.38 ($2.09) per month. Bid amount and income were the only determinants of WTP. The study also found that the best initiatives for solid waste collection include: encouraging public-private partnerships in waste management and enforcing the 3R’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Other initiatives observed were; conducting awareness campaigns and composting. In conclusion, high WTP indicates that households want the current solid waste management situation to improve. The study recommends collection of wastes in informal settlements and intensifying awareness campaigns on best waste management practices. Furthermore, there is a need to establish an active solid waste collection cooperative which will facilitate collection of huge amounts of wastes for sell or recycling.