Assessment of solid waste segregation practices and their determinants in Bungoma municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Solid waste segregation is an important component of sustainable solid waste management because it facilitates the separation of waste materials at the point of generation, thereby promoting recycling, reuse and appropriate disposal. However, inadequate public awareness, limited infrastructure and weak institutional participation continue to undermine waste segregation in many developing-country municipalities. This study assessed the level of solid waste segregation and the factors influencing the practice in Bungoma Municipality, Kenya. The study was guided by The Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Model (ISWMM) designed by Klundert and Anschutz. The study adopted a descriptive research design and employed questionnaires, interviews, observation and focus group discussions to collect data from households, commercial enterprises, institutions and county government employees. The study targeted approximately 106,000 residents from selected neighbourhoods of Bungoma Municipality, namely Kanduyi, Namuyemba, Mashambani, Kiwanja Ndege, Marrel, Pamus, Milimani, Muteremuko, Main Stage, Wings, Mujini and Musikoma, alongside municipal personnel and staff from the County Departments responsible for Public Health and Sanitation and Environment. Residents were drawn from households, businesses and institutions, which constitute the main sources of municipal solid waste. The sample comprised 162 households systematically selected from 14 residential areas, with every eighth household selected. Purposive sampling was used to ensure representation of low-, middle- and high-income residential areas, while 100 business premises, 73 institutions and 25 Jua Kali artisans were systematically selected. Additionally, six municipal waste collection employees were randomly selected, while two officers from the relevant county departments were interviewed. Two focus group discussions, each comprising nine participants, were also conducted. Purposive sampling enabled the selection of information-rich participants relevant to the study objective. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while qualitative information was analysed descriptively. Findings revealed that only 11% of the households practised waste segregation, whereas 89% disposed of their waste without systematic separation. Most households undertook limited separation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials, with very few proceeding to distinguish reusable, recyclable and combustible materials. Lack of awareness was the leading reported barrier to segregation, accounting for 53% of responses, followed by inadequate space (24%) and the perception that segregation was tedious and time-consuming (9%). Other constraints included lack of time, inadequate waste containers and limited institutional support. The study further established that county government employees did not systematically segregate collected waste, while segregation among commercial enterprises and institutions remained limited. Household size, age, gender, income, availability of gardens and public awareness were among the factors associated with the practice. The study concludes that waste segregation in Bungoma Municipality was generally low and requires strengthened environmental education, provision of appropriate waste receptacles, institutional capacity development and coordinated participation between households, businesses and the county government.