SOLID WASTE COMPOSITION, GENERATION RATE, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KABRIDEHAR, ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Attributable to the population and various activities entailed, Tertiary Educational Institutions (Universities) are one of the large producers of solid wastes, which, if not properly managed, could pose risk to health and the environment. Consequently, information on the solid waste generation and composition is a critical first step towards developing successful and effective planning of solid waste management service and strategies across university campus. This study aimed to assess the solid waste composition, generation rate, and management practices at the University of Kabridahar (UoK). Total population sampling method was employed to include all 28 buildings of the university. All of the waste containers placed at all the buildings consisting of 24 dustbins and 15 dumpsters were the measurement sites. Onsite Segregation and Weighing were used to assess the quantity and characteristics of the solid waste generated at UoK. Conversely, Key Informant Interview and Direct Observation were employed to generate qualitative data. Stratified Random Sampling technique was also used to select 373 respondents for the evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the university's population towards solid waste management (SWM) using a close-ended, self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed in SPSS using frequency, chi-square, and crosstab analysis to describe the data and examine associations between the KAP statements and demographic features. The results revealed that the UoK generated an average of 2172.5 kg/day. The per capita waste was 0.40 kg/day. The major waste sources were cafeteria (48.1%), dormitories (25.1%), academic and research (14.9%), and administrative (8.9%) buildings. The waste is composed of organics (54.5%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (18.8%), paper and cardboards (16.3%), plastics (5.9%), metal (2%), textiles (1.6%), glass (0.5%), medical (0.3%), and miscellaneous (0.1%). From the generated waste, 45.1% were recyclable, 54.5% compostable and 0.4% non recoverable. Despite the implementation of essential SWM practices, there were still instances of improper SWM practices. The survey results revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge (73.5%) and attitude (62.9%) towards SWM, but their practice was only fair (44.8%). The Chi-square test showed statistically significant association between respondents' demographic features and their KAP (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the UoK generated a substantial amount of solid waste that requires further improved management. Suitable solid waste site selection and waste handling training for SWM workers were recommended.