Assessment of Household Waste Minimisation Practices in Orange Farm: Effects and Opportunities for Low Income Households

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.