Title: Household solid waste quantification, characterisation and management practices in Mthatha City, South Africa

Authors: Vuyayo Tsheleza; Simbarashe Ndhleve; Hlekani M. Kabiti; Motebang D.V. Nakin

Addresses: Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa; Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, P Bag x1 Unitra, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5100 ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, P Bag x1 Unitra, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5100 ' Risk and Vulnerability Science Centre, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract: Mismanagement of solid waste is a rising environmental malpractice within fast growing cities. This paper provides estimates per capita waste generation and quantity of different waste types generated by inhabitants of formal and informal settlements in Mthatha in order to inform the city waste management plan. Data on household were gathered through questionnaires and direct waste measurement techniques. Waste generated by households was collected and subjected through a waste composition analysis. Collected waste were physically hand sorted into predetermined categories. Each waste category was then weighed and the results collated to provide a breakdown of the total composition of waste. Sampled households generated 2.84 kg/capita/week. On average, the rate of solid waste generation per capita was 0.40 kg/day for a person living in informal settlement and 0.56 kg/day person living in a formal settlement. Proportion of food waste accounted for the most generated waste at 22.7%, followed by disposable nappies at 17.9%. The study proposed a waste channel flow which can be considered for growing cities. The study findings provide alternative solutions for designing appropriate waste management strategy and landfill site of the Mthatha City.

Keywords: settlement types; growing city; recycling; waste characterisation; waste management flowchart; integrated sustainable waste management; ISWM; direct waste measurement technique; waste composition analysis; solid waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2022.121212

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2022 Vol.29 No.2, pp.208 - 229

Received: 14 May 2019
Accepted: 13 Apr 2020
Published online: 01 Mar 2022 *

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