Assessment of Solid Waste Management in Small Towns: A Case of Himo Township, Moshi District

This study presents the Assessment of Solid Waste Management, case of Himo township in Moshi district. The aim of the study was to address the problem of poor SWM that resulted in littering of the town, carried out between July, 2010 and December, 2012. Four specific objectives namely; characterization of the solid waste, examination of existing status of collection and transportation and identification of solid waste disposal methods in the study area were observed. Likewise, determination of the level of pollution in dumpsites and landfills for moisture, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter content were performed. Literature review, internet and journals, brochures, books and review of methodology for characterization and quantification of SW were sought, along with secondary data pertaining the study. Field investigation involved quantification and physical and chemical characteristics which enabled current SWM assessment. Results from analysis of data, using the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS) revealed that, SW was dominated by plastic and polythene bags by 24.4% and paper by 17.26%, and 65% of collection were household based. Phosphorus in all dumps and landfills were low, while Nitrogen level were elevated. This research concludes that factors affecting SW management in Himo were typical of many tropical urban environments. Since 71.6% were not satisfied with SWM services, 73.3% were not aware of by-laws pertaining SWM. There was poor waste management regime. It is recommended that the frequency of solid waste collection be enhanced, along with construction of engineered landfills in the town. The review of SWM aspects should be strengthened and harmonized through by-laws on solid waste management.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University of Tanzania

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Mrema , Dawood David

• 550 Earth sciences

Language dc:language

en