Developing a people centred framework for solid waste management in informal settlements within Tshwane and Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipalities

Abstract

An increase in population and migration to urban centres remains a threat to effective solid waste management mostly in developing countries. Informal settlements usually do not have effective waste collection system as they are often not planned residential areas. This study investigated the waste collection systems in two informal settlements intending to proffer a more robust waste management system in the informal settlement. This study is based on public participation in solid waste management in the Kya Sand and Mooiplaas informal settlements in Gauteng Province. Questionnaires were distributed to the residents of the Kya Sand and Mooiplaas informal settlements. For each community, 200 questionnaires were distributed to respondents, but only 150 people responded in Mooiplaas and 153 in Kya Sand were retrieved. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents using systematic random sampling, participants were randomly selected, and municipal officials from waste management departments were also selected for interviews. In addition, two members of the municipal committee per informal settlement were interviewed. Solid wastes were identified, collected, weighed and separated. The waste generated in the study areas was hand sorted into three different categories using the standard method ASTM D5231-92 into recyclables, compostables, and non-recyclable wastes (ASTM, 2008). The study results showed that the residents of the two informal settlements generated 0.3 kg average of waste per capita per day. The data showed that the average percentage for all the recyclable and compostable waste in Kya Sand and Mooiplaas informal settlements was 55% and 56%, respectively. Food waste recorded the most waste type, accounting for more than 50% of the total waste generated. Approximately 70% of the waste types reported in all settlements could be recycled, reused, or composted. A solid waste management framework was proposed that can be applied in the two informal settlements, as well as other informal settlements in developing countries, to achieve sustainable solid waste management.