Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess community perception on solid waste management practice in Bedele Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Sampled households interview, field observation and key informants were used for data collection. Focus group discussion was also employed to cross check the data collected through interview. Food waste, plastic bags, plastic bottles, papers and cartons, cans and glass were some of solid waste released from each household and disposed to inappropriate disposal site and environment. Common diseases associated to poor solid waste management identified were common cold (52.9%), respiratory track and shyness (27%) and typhoid and cholera (4.6%), respectively. Mean daily solid waste generation rate per capita per household in the town based on the current finding was 0.3240 kg/day/house hold. Also, the determinants willingness of urban community on solid waste management practice was also highlighted using linear regression model. Age, educational level, awareness and availability of training on solid waste for the urban community affect the attitude and willingness of urban communities to practice solid waste management. Generally the communities had very low thinking on the impact of improper solid waste management on the environmental condition. Therefore, the municipality should have to intervene with the integration of concerned stakeholders with appropriate waste management practices and disposal sites like landfill, demonstration sites.

Key Words:  Solid waste, Community perception, Generation rate, Solid waste management