Title: The state and management of hazardous waste discarded by beauty salons of the central business district of Musina, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Authors: Happy Andani Nematshavhawe; Marubini Reuben Ramudzuli; Marthienus Johannes Potgieter

Addresses: Departments of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa ' Departments of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa ' Departments of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa

Abstract: Beauty salons treatments use products that are hazardous, and if not properly discarded, can cause environmental and human health problems. The study examined the state and management of hazardous waste (HW) discarded by all eight salons located in the central business district of the town of Musina in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Nail varnish bottles were the most discarded HW product per week by all salons. Shop managers make use of municipal refuse bag for temporary storage, which are then transported to the municipal landfill site for final disposal. None of the participant's separate waste: the main reasons being a lack of awareness of separation management. Shop owners and employees' attitude towards HW management was neutral, while their level of knowledge on the impact of HW on the environment and human health was rated low. 75% of respondents were unaware that the products they discard constitute HW.

Keywords: beauty salon; central business district; hazardous waste; Musina; South Africa.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2023.131148

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2023 Vol.31 No.4, pp.413 - 431

Received: 31 Jan 2020
Accepted: 12 Jul 2020
Published online: 01 Jun 2023 *

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