Abstract:
The study is founded on the premise of waste management with reference to waste minimisation.
Waste minimisation is undertaken either at the point of purchase, or within the home by re-using or repairing
products rather than replacing them. The researchers assess waste minimisation practices at household level
in Orange Farm, City of Johannesburg. Municipal waste minimisation at household level has been relatively
neglected as compared to industrial waste minimisation. The Gauteng province is classified as the most economical
dominant province in the country. However, there are concerns about the lack of managing waste
from the source. Effective waste management determines the sustainability of the environment and ensures
the health of the society. The study observed disorderly disposal of waste. The households in Orange Farm
rarely practice other means of waste minimization such as to reuse, recycle, and compost. The respondents'
knowledge on waste minimisation is relatively poor. The main problem expressed by respondents with respect
to waste disposal is that collection schedules are not adhered to by the collectors. The role of waste minimisation
and public participation programmes in educating the community so that the latter can play their role
effectively is very crucial. A qualitative approach and a questionnaire was preferred to understand the context
of household waste minimisation. The study found that waste management has changed to more sustainable
waste minimisation methods. Despite the innovations created, the households still dispose waste illegally
and this put strain on the landfills as they become too full than anticipated. In addition, the news ways of
recycling were introduced even though the households remain unenthusiastic about sustainable measures.
We recommend that a Waste Stream Analysis or Waste Audit may be effective in minimizing household waste
when waste is disposed at household level. We further recommend for the sorting and of household waste.
Description:
Journal articles published in the 6th International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 06-08 October 2021, Virtual Conference.