Practices and Determinants of Household Solid Waste Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Karnataka, South India

Abhiharshan SB; Samudyatha UC

doi:10.55489/njcm.160720255576

Authors

Abhiharshan SB Department of Community Medicine, Sri Devaraj URS Medical College, SDUAHER, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India
Samudyatha UC Department of Community Medicine, Sri Devaraj URS Medical College, SDUAHER, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160720255576

Keywords:

Solid waste management, Urban households, Socio-demographic factors, Sanitary disposal, Waste segregation, Circular economy, Public health

Abstract

Introduction: Scientific and sustainable household solid waste management is crucial in achieving SDG 12 (responsible consumption) and SDG 3 (good health). Poor waste practices can harm both the environment and people's health. Objective: To assess the solid waste management practices and its association with sociodemographic profile of households in a selected urban locality of Kolar, in South India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023, covering 318 consecutively sampled urban households, using a validated semi-structured questionnaire to collect data.

Results: The majority (28.6%) of households were from the lower middle socioeconomic class. Food and kitchen waste, plastics, and paper waste were the most common types of waste generated. Sanitary napkins/pads were disposed of with plastic waste without segregation. Closed containers were used for wet waste storage in 64.8% of households. Households with children under 5 years were more likely to use closed containers (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.18-3.50). Sanitary disposal of waste was practiced by 64.4% of households, with higher odds in households located along main roads.

Conclusion: This study found high waste segregation rates but poor sanitary waste management so this recommends a multi-faceted approach to improve waste management. Urban governance should adopt a circular waste management approach to improve accountability and resource efficiency.

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