Abstract:
Unsegregated solid waste management presents ongoing challenges, particularly within the
hospitality sector. This study investigated the dynamics and effects of unsegregated waste on
waste management systems in selected hospitality establishments in Mzuzu City. Mixed
methods approach was used, collecting data through direct observations, questionnaires, and
interviews with key informants. Participants were selected using Slovin’s formula and
purposive sampling, resulting in a sample of 62 respondents from establishments, waste
collectors, and handlers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Correlation
analysis was used to examine relationships between waste management practices and
compliance levels, while Chi-square tests assessed significant differences across categorical
variables. Levene's test was applied to determine the homogeneity of variances across groups.
Descriptive statistics, including percentages, were used to summarize waste types and health
effects among respondents. Findings show that biodegradable waste is dominant in over half
of the establishments (56.3%, n=18), and waste volumes fluctuate based on activity peaks.
Health effects were also identified among waste workers, 43% reported communicable diseases
and 47% reported physical injuries. While most establishments (78.1%, n=25 out of 32) follow
general waste management guidelines, there remains a limited compliance with specific waste
segregation policies. The study concludes that bio-degradable waste is dominant in hospitality
establishments, waste workers are affected by waste, there is less compliance to waste rules
and there is lack of knowledge on waste segregation. Key recommendations include enhancing
waste segregation, consistent provision of PPEs to workers, improve compliance with waste
management laws and address the gaps in understanding waste segregation.
