ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES AND ITS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN WOLKITE TOWN GURAGE ZONE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study assesses solid waste disposal practices and management systems in Wolkite Town, Ethiopia, and highlighting the environmental, health, and socioeconomic impacts of improper waste management. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining household surveys, interviews, and for household surveys to gather data from 98 randomly selected households. Findings reveal that commercial activities (39%), households (29%), agriculture (10%) and municipal (22%) are the primary sources of solid waste, with organic waste constituting the largest proportion (58%) and other (42%) different types of wastes. Open dumping (45%), incineration (25%) and used to both methods (30%) are the dominant disposal methods, leading to severe environmental degradation, including soil and water contamination, air pollution, and ecological damage. Health risks such as malaria, respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal infections are prevalent due to poor waste management practices. The study identifies systemic challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and low public awareness, which hinder effective waste management. The study Recommends include implementing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), establishing controlled landfill sites, enhancing community education, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to develop sustainable waste management solutions. The findings also the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of solid waste and promote environmental and public health in Wolkite Town.