Drivers of Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling in Kampala Slums, Uganda: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Behavior Centered Design Model

Richard K Mugambe; Rebecca Nuwematsiko; Tonny Ssekamatte; Allan G Nkurunziza; Brenda Wagaba; John Bosco Isunju; Solomon T Wafula; Herbert Nabaasa; Constantine B Katongole; Lynn M Atuyambe; Esther Buregyeya

doi:10.3390/ijerph191710947

Drivers of Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling in Kampala Slums, Uganda: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Behavior Centered Design Model

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 2;19(17):10947. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191710947.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda.
² Department of Public Health, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda.
³ Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Health, Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Nakasero, Kampala P.O. Box 7272, Uganda.
⁴ Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda.
⁵ Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda.

Abstract

Solid-waste management is a challenge in many cities, especially in low-income countries, including Uganda. Simple and inexpensive strategies such as solid-waste segregation and recycling have the potential to reduce risks associated with indiscriminate waste management. Unfortunately, these strategies have not been studied and adopted in slums in low-income countries. This cross-sectional qualitative study, therefore, used the behavioral-centered design model to understand the drivers of recycling in Kampala slums. Data were coded using ATLAS ti version 7.0, and content analysis was used for interpreting the findings. Our findings revealed that the study practices were not yet habitual and were driven by the presence of physical space for segregation containers, and functional social networks in the communities. Additionally, financial rewards and awareness related to the recycling benefits, and available community support were found to be critical drivers. The availability of infrastructure and objects for segregation and recycling and the influence of politics and policies were identified. There is, therefore, need for both the public and private sector to engage in developing and implementing the relevant laws and policies on solid waste recycling, increase community awareness of the critical behavior, and create sustainable markets for waste segregated and recycled products.

Keywords: Uganda; slums; solid waste management; waste recycling; waste segregation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cities
Cross-Sectional Studies
Poverty Areas
Recycling
Refuse Disposal*
Solid Waste / analysis
Uganda
Waste Management*

Substances

Solid Waste

Grants and funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (RIF), and the funding number was 001. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.