COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

ASSESSMENT OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION IN SIDAMA

REGIONAL STATE BENSA WOREDA THE CASE DAYE TOWN

SENIOR PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY FOR

THE PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR BACHELOR DEGREE IN
BIOLOGY

BY: ALAKA LAMISO

ID: SKB/0054/18

ADVISOR: TURE (MSC.)

JULY, 2024

DILLA, ETHIOPIA

APPROVAL SHEET
 COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
ASSESSMENT OF SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SAGARA
KEBELE

BY: AMELO ELASO

ID: SKB/0072/18

Approved by:

__________________ _____________ ______________

Name of Advisor Signature Date

__________________ _______________ _______________

Name of Examiner Signature Date

__________________ ______________ ________________

Department Head Signature Date

I
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and for most I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the God for success who
initiated to begin and who enable to accomplish everything and strength to advance my dream to
this end Secondly, I am greatly interested to express my hearted thanks to my advisor
Ture(MSc.) for her continuous advice, constructive idea, giving necessary constructive comment
and suggestion from the early begins until the end of this study. I would love to thank Dilla
University Biology Department Staffs for encouraging do to this research paper. I also thank
Participants in Sagara town who voluntarily participated in this study. Finally, I would like to
thank my family for their continuous financial and moral support throughout the course of the
study.

II
 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVATION
SWM: Solid waste management

HHSWM: Household solid waste management

HH: Household

ISWM: Integrated solid waste management

MSW: Municipal solid waste

MSWM: Municipal solid waste management

HHSW: Household solid waste

SW: Solid waste

EPA: Environmental Protection Authority

CSA: Central Statistics Agency

MRF: Material recovery facility

III
 Abstract
Solid waste, which is a consequence of day-to-day activity of human kind, needs to be managed
properly. Sagara town, like other towns in developing countries, faces problems associated with
poorly managed solid waste operation. This study concerns about analysis of the town’s current
municipal solid waste management problems, opportunities and existing solid waste
management practices and role of community participation. The survey was conducted in 01
kebele. Different sampling methods were employed to select the study units including: simple
random sampling, and purposive sampling. Though the bulk of the data collected were
qualitative in nature, it was also supported by quantitative information collected through survey
and secondary sources. The study discovered that there is low performance of SWM in the town
mainly due to: lack of properly designed collection system and time schedule, inadequate and
malfunctioning operation equipment, open burning of refuse, poor condition of the final
dumpsite and less awareness creation among community which encouraged illegal dumping are
the technical problem identified. Insufficient funds as well as lack of promotion on-waste
reduction, recycling, absence of waste recovery, practice of energy option, waste separation and
composting are among the management challenges facing the town. Social problems
encountered include: lack of public awareness, unwillingness to pay, ill dumping manner (often
around residence and any open spaces) and improper outlook for waste workers. Incompetence
of organizations in terms of equipment required for operation and man power/staff
qualifications, training and human resource developments and/or unreliable service are the
institutional challenge that the town encountered in the sector. Finally, the study forwarded
some important recommendations towards improving the waste management practices.

Keywords: Solid Waste Management, Disposal System, Community Participation, Sagara town

IV
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents Page
APPROVAL SHEET...................................................................................................................ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT................................................................................................................iii
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABREVATION.............................................................................iii
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................iv
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................3
1.1. Background of the Study...................................................................................................3
1.2. Statement of the Problem..................................................................................................4
1.3. Objective of the Study.......................................................................................................6
1.3.1. General Objective..........................................................................................................6
1.3.2. Specific Objectives........................................................................................................6
1.4. Significance of the study...................................................................................................6
1.5. Scope of the study.............................................................................................................6
1.6. Limitation of the Study.....................................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO......................................................................................................................8
2. RELATED LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................8
2.1. Municipal solid wastes..................................................................................................8
2.2. Sources and components of solid waste........................................................................8
2.3. Physical Composition of Residential Solid Waste........................................................8
2.4. Solid Waste Generation Rate........................................................................................9
2.5. Solid waste management...............................................................................................9
2.5.1. History of solid waste management.........................................................................10
2.5.2. Existing solid waste management system................................................................11
2.6. EFFECTS AND IMPACTS OF SOLID WASTES....................................................12
2.6.1. Public health concerns.............................................................................................12
2.6.2. Aesthetic concerns...................................................................................................13
2.6.3. Ecological Concerns................................................................................................13
2.7. Collection of Solid Waste............................................................................................13
2.8. Waste Disposal and alternative waste management options.......................................14
2.8.1. Source Reduction, Reuse and Recycle....................................................................14
2.8.2. Composting..............................................................................................................15
 2.8.3. Incineration..............................................................................................................15
2.8.4. Sanitary Landfill......................................................................................................16
2.9. Integrated Solid Waste Management..........................................................................16
CHAPTER THREE....................................................................................................................17
3. THE RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY.....................................................17
3.1. Description of the Study Area.........................................................................................17
3.2. The research design.........................................................................................................17
3.3. Sampling Technique and Sample Size Determination....................................................18
3.4. Sample Size Determinations...........................................................................................18
3.5. Sources of Data...............................................................................................................19
3.6. Data Collection and sorting of wastes.............................................................................19
3.7. Materials and instruments...............................................................................................20
3.8. Statistical Data Organization and Analysis.....................................................................20
CHAPTER FOUR......................................................................................................................21
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.........................................................................................21
4.1. Solid Waste Composition................................................................................................21
4.2. Solid waste Source..........................................................................................................21
4.3. Existing Solid Waste Management Practices..................................................................23
4.3.1. On Site Handling.........................................................................................................23
4.3.2. Sorting.........................................................................................................................23
4.3.3. Composting.................................................................................................................24
4.3.4. Collection....................................................................................................................24
4.4. Waste Disposal................................................................................................................25
4.5. Role of Community Participation...................................................................................27
CHAPTER FIVE........................................................................................................................29
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.................................................................29
5.1. CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................29
5.2. RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................................30
References..................................................................................................................................32
Appendix
 CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
In ancient cities, food scraps and other wastes were simply thrown into the unpaved streets,
where they accumulated. Around 320 B.C. in Athens, the first known law forbidding this
practice was established and a system of waste removal began to evolve in several eastern
Mediterranean cities. As populations increased, efforts were made to transport the wastes farther
out and the city dump was thus created (Lem Ethiopia, 2010).
Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the critical concerns facing the developing countries
because of the social, economic and environmental implications once not properly managed.
Studies show that only 30-50% of the waste generated in developing countries is collected and
managed properly (Dawit and Alebel, 2003). The rest is either burned or left to decompose in
open space or dumped in unregulated landfills, which is damaging the environmental.
The base of successful planning for a municipal solid waste management system is reliable
information about the quantity and type of material being generated. The quantity and type of
waste generated determines the decisions for managing them (Tchobanoglous et al., 2010). It is
thus a prerequisite for collection program managers to have detailed information about the nature
and quantity of solid waste generated in order to set appropriate management systems.
In Ethiopia, alike developing countries, the increase of solid waste generation is resulted from
rapid urbanization and population booming. According to Dawit and Alebel (2003), the amount
of solid waste in Addis Ababa and other fast growing areas in the country has been increasing
over time, largely attributed to rapid population growth rate. The same authors indicated that
from the total solid waste released by the population in the city, about 50-60% was collected and
the rest was unattended. Recently the municipality has increased its coverage to about 85%
(AACG-SPBA-2005).
Sagara town, is one of the fast growing towns of the Sidama Region, has increasing solid waste
generation. According to CSA population projection of 2006, Sagara town has a population of
10,000 (CSA, Hawassa, 2006).
Inadequate solid waste management in Sagara Kebele has resulted in the accumulation of waste
on open lands, in drains and in the residential areas, causing a nuisance and foul-smelling pools,
1
environmental pollution through leachate from piles (water and soil pollution) and burning of
waste (air pollution), clogging of drains. This situation is believed to result in poor
environmental conditions, which in turn present a formidable threat to health. There is thus need
for improved waste management system of the town.
As we know demographic dynamics, socio-economic changes and consumption patterns are the
main factors that affect the municipal solid waste generation and composition, which in turn
affects the waste management system. Therefore, conducting studies on generation and
composition of solid waste at the present demographic and socio-economic conditions is very
essential.
Therefore, it will be planned to conduct a study on solid waste quantity and composition of
household in Sagara town. It is hoped that this study will have paramount importance in
providing relevant information that is basic to design appropriate solid waste management
system or as a step to conduct more systematic study in the town of Sagara.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Sagara, as one of rapid urbanizing town, is far from satisfying the infrastructure demand of its
inhabitants. Its solid waste management is poor. The section responsible for the waste
management of the town is poorly equipped materially, financially, and in terms of human
resources to provide the expected service appropriately. One of the major issues that the
development strategy should incorporate is the issue of urban environment, which mainly deals
with the municipal waste management.
Practical aspects associated with solid and liquid waste management systems are financing,
operations, equipment management, personnel, reporting, cost accounting and budgeting,
contract administration, guide lines and public communications are basic for proper solid waste
management (Tchobanoglous et al., 2010). Sagara has a population of more than 10,000
(CSA,Hawassa, 2006) and experiencing rapid urbanization rate. Waste treatment, reduction from
its source, recycling of wastes or energy recovery from the wastes are not well exercised, the
main activity being done is collection and dumping of wastes at dumping site.
Currently the municipality is capable of collecting 33% of the waste generated in the
town(Hawassa MPRP-2004) the remaining 57% is indiscriminately disposed of in drainage lines,
open spaces, street sides, urges and or is informally burned. This spoils the beauty of the town
2
and it affects the health of inhabitants. Poor environmental quality of cities can deprive citizens a
good quality of life as it affects their health and consequently, affect productivity and economic
development adversely (Taddesse, 2004).
Any future system for collection and disposal of this refuse will have to be geared to the total
amount and characteristics of the material produced (Hagerty, 1973). Hence, it is necessary to
collect and generate baseline information with regard to the amount and composition of solid
wastes that are generated in the town.
The area (Daye town) is selected to this research for the following reasons.

The town is among the fast growing towns in the Sidama Region where solid and liquid
waste management problem is crucial.
Only limited surveys were conducted so far regarding its solid and liquid waste
generation rate and composition. This in turn creates big problem to manage the waste.
Where Chat waste (Locally named as Geraba) is indiscriminately disposed.
With the rapid urbanizations in many countries including Ethiopia, the generation of solid and
liquid wastein cities is ever increasing, while possible disposal areas for solid waste are
diminished. As aresult cities and towns are facing the challenge of managing municipal waste.
Solid wastecollection system in many countries can not cope with the increasing volume of solid
waste.Collection service coverage of less than 70% is not uncommon in developing countries.
Theseinadequate municipal solid waste management systems cause environmental and public
healthproblems (Lemma, 2007).
Key Research Questions
1. What are the generation rate and the composition of household solid and liquid waste in
the Sagara town?
2. How is the storage system of solid and liquid waste in the town?
3. What type of solid and liquid waste storage is stored?
4. What is the disposal facility and to recommend possible alternatives of waste
management methods based on the characteristics of the wastes?

3
1.3. Objective of the Study
1.3.1. General Objective
To assess the solid and liquid waste management in 01 kebele of Sagara town by generating
information about household waste compositions and generation rate and to recommend feasible
solid waste management options for Sagara town.
1.3.2. Specific Objectives
1. To determine the generation rate and the composition of household solid and liquid waste
in the town.
2. To evaluate the storage system of solid and liquid waste in the town
3. To determine the type of storage and duration of the waste in the storage
4. To know the disposal facility and to recommend possible alternatives of waste
management methods based on the characteristics of the wastes.
1.4. Significance of the study
The result of this study is expected to provide the following advantages to the town
administrator..
 To adopt the best alternative of municipal solid and liquid west management options that
are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
 Alleviate health impacts associated with municipal solid waste management.
 Creates job opportunity for unemployed residents of Sagara town and the surrounding
rural community as well.
 Serves as the basic source of information about the impacts and appropriate residential
solid waste management techniques.
 Invites individuals, communities and researchers to develop awareness about the ever-
increasing problems associated with household solid waste.
1.5. Scope of the study
Municipal solid and liquid waste management encompasses all waste streams from various
sources such as households, commercials, institutional etc. It also comprises of all activities
including waste generation rate and composition identification, to waste collection, storage,
transfer, waste processing, transportation, and disposal systems of all streamside. residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional. The scope of this study focuses only on the household
4
waste generation rate.
1.6. Limitation of the Study
Major limitations in this study were lack of relevant socio-economic data on population of the
town, for example total number of housing units in Sagara town is not exactly known, and
regarding socio-economic status of the population no survey was conducted. Since finding
households categorized into different income levels as low, medium and high income group is
difficult to study.
Another problem encountered during the survey was that some households were not willing to
give reliable information, however explanation was given to the selected households about the
usefulness of the study, some household assumed that as they might be asked financial
contribution based on their income and the waste they generate.
Regarding the variations between days in solid waste composition and generation rate, only
seven-day sampling and sorting was conducted, however due to lack of financial resources and
time, seasonal variations was not considered.
In general, since, HHSW composition and generation rate study has not been conducted so far in
the town, lack of references and baseline data on solid waste generation rates and composition
were also among the major problems.

5
 CHAPTER TWO

2. RELATED LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Municipal solid wastes

Municipal solid waste is defined as, a material for which the primary generator or user
abandoning the material within the urban area requires no compensation upon abandonment.
This definition covers all urban solid wastes if it is generally perceived by society as being
within the responsibility of the municipality to collect and dispose off (Cointreau, 1982).
Some authors also define municipal solid waste (MSW) as material which is useless or unwanted
material discarded as a result of human or animal activity. Most commonly, it is solids,
semisolids or liquids in containers thrown out of houses, commercial or industrial premises
(ESIAfrica, 2004). The major type and source of municipal solid waste are food, paper, plastic,
glass, metals and various other households’ items including street sweepings and general refuse
from households, commercial, institutional establishments and non-hazardous solid wastes from
industries (Tchobanoglous et al., 1977: Bilitewski et al., 1977).
2.2. Sources and components of solid waste
The sources of solid wastes are residential, commercial, institutional, construction and demolish,
municipal services, industrial; treatment plants sites and agricultural wastes (Tchobanoglousetal.,
1977).
Various industrial plants generate wastes, which are mainly hazardous wastes during their raw
material preparation, production or transportation processes. The waste generated from such
sources is not only hazardous but also inorganic requiring special treatment before final
disposal(Bilitewski et al., 1977).
In Daye the length of Asphalted road is very small where street cleaning is under taken. From
observations, cleaning of the drainage lines is not frequently conducted, thus the lines are almost
full with solid wastes most of the time.
2.3. Physical Composition of Residential Solid Waste
The composition of a municipal solid waste stream is important for designing material recovery
facilities and developing other waste minimization programs. Successful characterization
depends on obtaining representative samples of the collected solid waste and making statistically
6
precise and accurate estimates of components weights (Zenget al., 2005)
The percentage of RSW components vary with location, season, economic condition and many
other factors (Tchobanoglous et al., 1977). Components that typically make up most MSW
include food wastes, paper, ash, plastic, metals, textiles, glass and ceramics, etc.
Different sources express physical properties of municipal solid waste by its density, particle
size, moisture content, etc. (Holmes, 1981; Tchobanoglous et al., 1977). According to these
sources, density-specific weight (weight per unit volume) is managed by assessing total mass and
volume of waste.
It has major role in determining compaction, decomposition and incineration. Other physical
properties of municipal solid waste are particle size and porosity (permeability), which are
important in managing material recovery and governing movements of liquid and gases in a
landfill.
2.4. Solid Waste Generation Rate
Solid waste quantities should always be expressed in terms of weight not volume, since the latter
varies with compaction (Vesiline and Rimer, 1981).
Significant variations in composition and quantity also depend on economic status, geographical
characteristics of land, rainfall, climate, habits of people what they eat and drink, the package
material they purchase, etc. The reason for measuring solid waste generation rate is to obtain
data to determine the total amount of wastes to be managed (Tchobanoglous et al., 1981)
According to Gordon’s estimations referred to in a report documented by AACSBPDA in 2003,
the solid waste generation rate in Addis Ababa is estimated to be 0.15-0.252kg/GNP/day(Bjerkli,
2005).
2.5. Solid waste management
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is the generation, separation, collection, transfer,
transportation and disposal of waste in a way that takes in to account public health, economics,
conservation, aesthetics, and the environment, and is responsive to public demands (WWF,
2005).
According to the World Bank, overall goal of solid waste management should be to collect, treat
and dispose of solid wastes generated by all population groups in an environmentally and

7
socially satisfactory manner using the most economical means available.
Solid waste management is in crisis in many of the world’s largest urban areas as population
attracted to cities continues to grow and this has led to ever increasing quantity of domestic
waste while space for disposal decreases (world Bank, 1999).
Historically, the aim of waste management has been to prevent or to reduce the impact of waste
materials on health or local amenity. Over the last 30 years, however, the focus of waste
management has shifted to reducing impact of environment and to recover resources from waste
materials. Waste management can involve solid, liquid or gaseous wastes, with different methods
and fields of expertise for each (Lemma, 2007)
2.5.1. History of solid waste management
In 1943 Sanitation rules /legal Notice No.25/ with regard to wells, food, vaccination and refuse
were proclaimed. In 1950, legal Notice No. 148 was proclaimed with regard to refuse
proclamation No.147 which established Ministry of Public health in Ethiopia, defines
‘Sanitation” as the surveillance of food stuffs, and beverages, buildings and factories, and of the
methods employed for the water wells, drainage and sewerage systems (Lem Ethiopia, 2006).
When the Daye town was built as an administrative center there was hardly any thought of waste
potential threat. Rural tradition of disposing waste in the open air was instantly transferred to the
emerging city to perpetuate to these days.
In the early days of the problem of sanitation in Daye may not have a significant impact;
Because there was no overpopulation and the houses were easier to dispose rubbish and other
generated wastes, but latter when population increased the problem became worse and the
government tried to minimize the problem by establishing municipality. The municipality was
established in 1942 according to decree number 1/1942. Later the municipality was entitled to
look after sanitary condition of the town.
Hence, solid waste collection started using wooden trunk and barrels put at different places in the
town. In 1952 the municipality bought one dump truck and two vacuum trucks. The dump truck
used to collect and dispose the solid waste outside the town and the vacuum truck used for liquid
waste collection. Although the history shows that the municipality started to manage the wastes
of the town more than four decades ago but still the service is found to be at rudimentary
stage(Lem Ethiopia, 2006).
8
2.5.2. Existing solid waste management system
One of the most important problems of Daye town is the solid and liquid waste management.
The core problem is the pollution of the environment, especially streets, rivers and ditches. The
pollution increases the health risks of the population and reduces the value of the environment.
The municipality has only limited data on the rate of generation and composition. But some
studies show that the daily solid waste generation rate is 0.0014m3 and the composition is 8.45%
garbage, 79.42% combustible and 2.13% non-combustible.
The types of solid wastes produced in the residential areas consist of mainly organic which
consists of materials such as food waste, paper of all types, card board, textiles, rubber, leather,
wood and yard wastes. While the inorganic fraction consists of items such as glass, metals of
different types etc. The worst thing in relation to waste disposal is that most of the time dumping
is done starting from 500 meters out of the town along the road without even reaching the so
called disposal site.
Sagara due to its transportation center and junction point to other most kebeles of the woredas of
Bensa, the economic activity is strong and serves large population that generates large volume of
waste. Chat chewing is popularly known and widely practiced in the town, which produces large
amount of waste and thus increasing the amount of waste generated in the town. The use and
discarding of plastic bags, commonly called ‘’festal’’ is observed everywhere in the town and the
trend seems to be increasing. Not only is the festal pollution unpleasant to look at but it also
blocks natural and manmade drainage lines, decreases the rate of decomposition of organic
wastes. Inadequate waste collection compounded with inappropriate final disposal system has
increased the probability of ‘’festal’’ consumption by livestock, which has endangered their
health and their produce. On top of this, it has adverse long-term effect on the environment.

The Disposal Site of Waste for Sagara town (Photo by the researcher, 2024)

9
2.6. Effects Solid Wastes
If solid wastes are not managed properly there are many negative impacts that may result. In
order to give more emphasis for the management work, one must have a good understanding
about the effects and risks that may arise from improperly managed solid wastes. The following
are lists found to be the most important effects associated with uncontrolled solid wastes.
 Uncollected wastes cause blockage of drains, which result in flooding and unsanitary
conditions,
 Flies and Mosquitoes breed in some constituents of solid wastes, and flies are very
effective vectors that spread disease,
 Waste dumps are good shelter for rats. Rats consume and spoil food, spread disease,
damage electrical cables and other materials,
 Uncollected wastes degrade the urban environment, discouraging efforts to keep the
streets and open places in a clean and attractive conditions,
 Dangerous items (such as broken glass, razor blades, needles and other healthcare wastes,
aerosol cans and potentially explosive containers) may pose risks of injury or poisoning,
particularly to children and people who sort through waste,
 Waste items that are recycled without being cleaned effectively or sterilized can transmit
infection to later users,
 Polluted water (leachate) flowing from waste dumps and disposal sites can cause serious
pollution of water supplies.
 Waste that is treated or disposed of in unsatisfactory ways can cause a severe aesthetic
nuisance in terms of smell and appearance.
 Fires on disposal sites can cause major air pollution, causing illness and reducing
visibility, making disposal sites dangerously unstable, causing explosions of cans, and
possibly spreading to adjacent property and etc.
As described by Tchobanoglous et al 1977, public health, aesthetic and ecological concerns are
the major impacts associated with the solid waste generation

2.6.1. Public health concerns

The concerns of public health are related primarily to the infestation of areas used for the storage

10
of solid wastes with vermin and insects that often serve as potential reservoirs of disease. The
practice of throwing wastes into unpaved streets, road ways and vacant land led to the breeding
of rats, with their attendant fleas carrying the germs of disease that result in disease outbreak.
The lack of any plan for the management of solid wastes led to the epidemic of various diseases.

The most effective control measure for both fleas and rats is proper sanitation. This involves the
use of containers with tight lids, the periodic washing of containers, storage areas and periodic
removal of biodegradable materials, which is especially important in areas with warm climates.

2.6.2. Aesthetic concerns

Aesthetic considerations are related to the production of odors and the unsightly conditions that
can develop when adequate attention is not given to the maintenance of sanitary conditions. Most
odors can be controlled through the use of containers with tight lids and with the maintenance of
reasonable collection frequency. If odor persists, the container can be sprayed as a temporary
expedient. To maintain aesthetic conditions the container should be scrubbed and washed
periodically.

2.6.3. Ecological Concerns

Ecological impacts, such as water and air pollutions, also have been attributed to improper
management of solid wastes. For instance, leachate from dumps and poorly engineered landfills
contaminate surface waters and ground waters as it may contain toxic elements such as copper,
arsenic etc.

2.7. Collection of Solid Waste

The term collection includes not only the gathering or picking up of solid wastes from the
various sources, but also the hauling of these wastes to the location where the contents of the
collection vehicles are emptied (Tchobanoglous, 1993). There are three basic types of collection
equipment’s: Human powered, Animal powered, and Engine powered. (According to
Nurconsult, 1982 and AAHB, 1997) they are described as follows.

Human-powered collection equipment: These include pushcarts, pedal tricycles,

wheelbarrows, and two wheeled dollies with baskets. In general, these equipment require
some sort of smooth surface on the lanes to be effective.
11
 Animal-powered collection equipment: Animal powered collection equipment either
takes the form of drawn carts or the animal may be directly backed with containers such
as basket. This type of collection is applicable in the cities where there is no much traffic.
Engine-powered collection equipment: These includes all motorized vehicles, like
tricycles with hydraulic tipping containers mounted on the back, tractors pulling wheel
containers, and trucks with mobile containers. This mode of collection system is used in
the cities where road accessibility is not a limiting factor.
In the case of Daye town, both human, animal and motorized collection equipment have been
used. There exists three broad types of refuse collection systems namely door-to-door, block, and
communal collections that are facilitated by only one collection vehicle, i.e., container lift truck
and these ways of collections are used in Daye town solid waste collection systems
(LemEthiopia, 2006).

2.8. Waste Disposal and alternative waste management options

Solid waste disposal (the disposal of solid or semi-solid materials) resulting from human and
animal activities that are useless, unwanted, or hazardous. Most of the municipal solid
waste(MSW) in developing countries is dumped on land in a more or less uncontrolled manner.
These dumps make very uneconomical use of the available space, allow free access to waste
pickers, animals and flies and often produce unpleasant and hazardous smoke from slow burning
fires.
The safe and reliable long-term disposal of solid waste residues is an important component of
integrated waste management (Tchobanoglous et al., 1977). Disposal is the ultimate fate of all
solid wastes collected and transported to landfill site, incinerator, compost or other substances
from the various solid waste processing plants that are of no further use to society.

2.8.1. Source Reduction, Reuse and Recycle

Source Reduction means decreasing the amount or toxicity of the materials that we throwaway.
Effective source reduction promotes the use of products that generate the smallest environmental
impacts (USEPA, 1990). It includes
 Purchasing of long lasting goods
 Seeking products and packaging which are as free of toxics as possible.
12
  Redesigning products to use fewer raw materials in production, have a longer life, or are
used again after its original use.
Reusing items- by repairing them, donating them to charity and community groups, or selling
them – also reduces waste. Reusing products, when possible, is even better than recycling
because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again. Whereas, recycling
turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. In addition, it
generates a host of environmental, financial, and social benefits. Materials like glass, metal,
plastics, and paper are collected, separated and sent to facilities that can process them into new
materials or products.

2.8.2. Composting
Composting has been defined (Haug, 1980) as the biological decomposition and stabilization of
organic substrates under conditions that allow development of hemophilic temperatures as a
result of biologically produced heat. Therefore, the final product is sufficiently stable for storage
and application to land without adverse environmental effects. Composting is usually applied to
solid or semi-solid materials and can be carried out under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions.
The aerobic products consist of carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, and heat, whereas methane
another volatile acids are produced by anaerobic composting (Martin, 1991)

2.8.3. Incineration
Incineration (mass burning with a Temperature of 900-10000c) is the term used for the
combustion of solid wastes. In properly designed and operated incinerator, there is a substantial
reduction in the volume of waste material. The residue (ash) is eventually disposed of by landfill
or used for road construction in some countries. The process is extremely hygienic and many of
the problems associated with landfill, such as windblown refuses, rodents and flies, are
completely eliminated (Hall et al., 1993). Domestic waste is characterized by its heterogeneity
and can range from an old refrigerator to a sackful of bones or a tea chest of old books. Thus,
equipment for reducing the size of irregular objects is normally a prerequisite at most incinerator
plants (WB, 1999).

13
2.8.4. Sanitary Landfill
A sanitary landfill is a method of solid waste disposal that functions without creating a

nuisanceor hazard to public health or safety. Engineering principles are used to confine the waste
to the smallest practical area and volume, and cover it with a layer of compacted soil at the end
of each day of operation, or more frequently if necessary. This covering of the waste makes the
sanitary landfill “Sanitary”. The compacted layer effectively denies continued access to the
waste by insects, rodents, and other animals. It also isolates the refuse from the air, thus
minimizing the amount of surface water entering into and gas escaping from wastes. The most
significant possible hazard from a sanitary landfill is ground water or surface water pollution by
leachate.

Land filling is necessary for municipal solid waste disposal but every landfill has its own finite
capacity. The most common approach to extending the life of landfills is to introduce recycling,
composting, and incineration in to the solid waste disposal system (Chang and Nishat, 2005)

2.9. Integrated Solid Waste Management

There is no single right way to manage municipal wastes responsibly as described by
Tchobanoglous et al. (1977). Integrated waste management, or IWM, is a tool to determine the
most energy efficient, least polluting ways to deal with the various components and items of a
community’s solid waste stream (Stokoe and Teague, 1995). Therefore Integrated Solid Waste
Management (ISWM) is a comprehensive waste prevention, recycling, composting and disposal
program in ways that most effectively protect human health and the environment.

ISWM involves evaluating local needs and conditions, and then selecting and combining the
most appropriate waste management activities for those conditions. Each activity such as waste
prevention, recycling, composting etc require careful planning, financing, collection and
transport of solid waste. Life cycle assessment (LCA) which is used to assess the environmental
impacts of products from cradle to grave, has to be applied for evaluation of waste starts when a
material is discarded in to the waste stream and ends when the waste material has either been
converted in to a resource (such as recycled material or recovered energy) or, when it has been
finally disposed. Perhaps the most important requirement for an alternative is that it has to be
quantifiable with respect to equipment, disposal site, economics, etc (Tchobanoglous et al.,
1977).

14
 CHAPTER THREE

3. THE RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This section deals with the research design and methodology. Specifically, it deals with research
design and method, sources of data, population, sampling techniques and sample size, data
gathering tools as well as methods of data analysis.

3.1. Description of the Study Area

Sagara town is found in BensaWoreda of SidamaRegion. BensaWoreda is one of the 36 thWoreda
and Six town administration Region in Sidama, south Ethiopia.SidamaRegion is a Region in the
South of Ethiopia. It is named for the Sidama people; whose homeland is in the Region. Sidama
is bordered on the south by the Oromia Region (except for a short stretch in the middle where it
shares a border with Gedeo zone), on the west by the Bilate River, which separates it from
Wolayita zone, and on the north and east by the Oromia Region. Bensa is bordered on the south
and north by the Oromia region, with Bona zuria on the west, Arbegona on the North West,
Chere on the east, and Aroresa on the south east.BensaWoreda is found between 7°69`-7° 73`
North latitude and 3789`-38c6` East Longitudes. The woreda possesses the three agro-ecological
divisions of 47% Dega, 35% woinedega and 18% kola. The average annual rainfall of Woreda is
about 900mm-1400mm and average annual minimum and maximum temperature is about 18°c
and 27°c respectively.

3.2. The research design

A research design refers to the plan or proposal to conduct research (Creswell, 2009:5); a plan
for collecting research data in order to answer the research questions (Fraenkel&Wallen,
2005:599) and it is a framework for the collection and analysis of data (Bryman, 2008:31). A
research design used to structure research setting, sample, data collection strategy, measures and
methods of assignment in order to answer the research questions (Trochim, 2005:135).
The study will be a community based cross-sectional household survey. The study utilized
structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The questionnaire will be distributed in Daye town 03
kebele. Questions difficult to ask will be rephrased. The questionnaire consisted of general
characteristics of the respondents, issues related to assessment of solid and liquid waste
management in 01 kebele of Sagara town, Bensa woreda SidamaRegion.
15
The purpose of this part is to provide an over view of the research design that will be used to
conduct this study. The over view includes the research method, the data sources, the sample size
and sampling techniques, the data gathering tools, the data gathering procedures, & statistical
tools, will be used to analyze and interpret data.

3.3. Sampling Technique and Sample Size Determination

The study will be a cross-sectional study which incorporates quantitative data through
Questionnaire. The data for this study will be generated from both the primary and secondary
sources. As to the primary source, information will be collected through use of face-to-face
questionnaire survey. Secondary data will be gathered through reviewing relevant materials
documented in the study area and some statistical reports, books, journals and unpublished
thesis.
The data emphasis on the assessment of solid and liquid west management practices in 01 kebele
of Sagara town, SidamaRegion; The current total population of the study area are estimated to be
120000. From these,the total populations of the selected kebele are estimated to be 10,000
peoples. The researcher was selected the study sampling unit by using simple random sampling
for the main study.

3.4. Sample Size Determinations

In any sample survey, sample size determination is an important step. To determine sample size
of households those to participate in the study, a sample technique (formula),which was
developed by Cochran (1977) to determine sample size (n) with the desired degree of precession
for general population, was used. In this case population variable (p) is house units variable, and
is given as;

2
N Z PQ
n= 2 2
d ( N−1 )+ Z PQ

Where: n=sample size of housing units

P=Housing unit variable

Q=1-P

16
 N=Total No of housing units

Z=Standardized normal variable and valued that corresponds to 95% confidence interval
equal to 1.96

d=Allowable error (0.08)

According to data obtained from housing development section of the town (2006), there are
about 15,000 legal housing units (N) in 01 kebele: Out of these more than 90% (P) are residential
and the rest10% (Q) is for commercial activities, offices and for others.

2
2
N Z PQ 15,000(1.96) ∗¿ ( 0.9 )∗(0.1)
Hence; n= 2 2
= 2 2
=54
d ( N−1 )+ Z PQ ( 0.08 ) ∗( 15,000−1 ) + ( 1.96 ) ( 0.9 ) (0.1)

Therefore, n = 54 is the minimum sample size of housing units for reliable results.

3.5. Sources of Data

Primary data regarding the solid and liquid waste generation rate, percentage composition of
RSW components, socio-economic status, housing condition, onsite solid and liquid waste
handling, and currently existing RSWM practices of the residents of Sagara town were
determined at the household level from a survey of 54 residential houses. The primary data was
be the main resources of information for the study. The secondary sources of data included
books, published articles both from Internet and journals, various research papers that are
published or unpublished, government publications, etc.

3.6. Data Collection and sorting of wastes

To obtain adequate information for the study, different types of data collection tools were
employed. These are questionnaire, a focus group discussion, and field observation. The
structured questionnaire will be set for selected households to have information about their
socioeconomic status, housing condition, onsite solid and liquid waste handling and solid waste
disposal practices.

Actual collection and sorting of wastes from the participating households would be conducted
for five consecutive days. In order to have an average result of the whole days of the week, in

17
case of differences in waste generation between days, each household was given a plastic bag
labeled with its house number. Next day during collection, another bag with the same label was
given for the next day collection, and this process continued for seven days.

3.7. Materials and instruments

To carry out the analysis a number of items of equipment like hand protective plastic gloves for
handling, hand push and horse drown carts for transport of waste, scales of different ranges,
wood containers for volume measurements, wire mesh or Sieve / to separate waste, 10 mm thick
plastic sheets to cover the floor, plastic bag for collection and sorting of solid wastes, trash bag
for collection of already processed wastes, photo cameras to record the research process will be
used.

3.8. Statistical Data Organization and Analysis

The primary data obtained from sample residential houses through direct measurement (solid
waste generated), questionnaire and focus group discussion will be analyzed basically using
averages, ratios and percentages as a major summarizing tool. Excel program will be used for the
analyses of data obtained from solid waste measurements and questionnaire. The average waste
generated by the different households will be calculated for low, medium and high-income
levels. Results will be compared whether the average waste generation rate was the same for
each socioeconomic level or not. Moreover, the household waste components will be analyzed
and compared based on socio-economic levels. The percentage composition of fractions by
household income is presented using tables Charts and graphs.

18
 CHAPTER FOUR

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Solid Waste Composition

The result of the survey in the study area showed that municipal waste is an aggregate of all
substances ready for disposal. The composition of the solid organic waste was almost
homogenous in nature across the study households. As it was observed in this study, majority of
the waste was of plastic origin while the animal and the industrial origin was almost none in
most of the households. Of the plastic source, residues of festal (known locally as Mika) and
liquid containers take the greatest portion. Overall composition includes paper, vegetable
peelings, onion seed coats, broken plastic and festal, soil and dust, animal dung, grasses, used
shoes, pieces of cloth, small bottles, soot, etc. The waste aggregate more frequent in the whole
mass of household waste was house sweeping, which is composed of soil and dust followed by
pieces of paper and vegetable peelings. When considering the solid waste production across
different sources (residential and commercial, in this study), the residential origin was found to
be higher (84%) while the remaining (16%) accounts for commercial and other origin.

With regard to solid waste generation rate, even though the solid waste trend is expected to
increase in general, recent and up to date data were not available.

4.2. Solid waste Source

The result from the surveyed households reveals that MSW generation by source and type in
Sagara town has the following distribution (Fig. 1). The composition of municipal waste varies
greatly from country to country and changes significantly with time. Waste can be classified into
several types. However, the following list represents a typical classification of municipal solid
wastes: (1) Biodegradable waste: (like; food and kitchen waste, green waste, paper), (2)
Recyclable material: (paper, glass, bottles, metals, certain plastics, batteries etc.) and (3) medical
wastes.

19
 Proportion of solid westgeneration from reidential

23% Plastic bottles and festal

30%
card bord
metals
2% food west
4% pepar
41%

Proportion of solid westgeneration from comercial

24% 25% Plastic bottles and festal

card bord
metals
6%
food west
pepar
12%
33%

Source: A survey conducted by researchers, 2024

Figure 1.Municipal solid waste generation by source and type of Sagara town.
The above figures show percentage of municipal solid waste generations by source and type in
Sagara town. It has been revealed that the largest constituent of residential solid waste is food-
waste be 41 % and followed by plastic bottles & bags 30 %, papers 23 % and the remaining 5 %
and 4 % are metals and cardboards, respectively. The situation is reverse in the case commercial
area’s waste composition as the highest constituent is cardboard 33 % and the least is food waste
6 %. However, if we see the wastes from the recycling point of view, many of the constituents

20
are compostable and recyclable materials, and hence it indicates that recycling practices are
effective SWM practice. Unfortunately, it was so far not practiced in the town, and this is why
we see a lot of paper and plastic substances thrown out in river banks, ditches and open areas.

4.3. Existing Solid Waste Management Practices

The management of Sagara town waste is a history of institutional trials and abandonment, with
most issues remaining unsolved. The new established authorized organization on the sector,
sanitation and beautification department (SBD) at the city government level was assigned the
responsibility for the management in 2024.

4.3.1. On Site Handling

A proper waste handling at household level has positive implication on waste management. The
responsibility of household waste handling also varies between the residential and the
commercial. In residential household’s female members of the family are responsible to handle
the households cleaning and separating of the waste. The male members of the family do not
participate in these activities, except at times they engage themselves when the waste is bulky
and some physical help is required to transport it to dumping places. In case of the commercial
areas, it is servants who collect and dispose of households wastes.

4.3.2. Sorting
Sorting is an essential component of solid waste management. It is a kind of activity which is
separating different types of wastes in their respective nature. It makes waste management easy
and simple. However, it should not be a onetime activity, rather should be a habit for proper and
sustainable solid waste management. Separating different types of waste components helps to
sort recyclable materials from non-recyclable and identify decomposable (organic) materials
from non-decomposable. The process is also efficient in reducing the problem of landfill sites
and expenses. However, as to the respondents, there is no/little separation of solid wastes in
Daye Town whereby over 93% of the households, invariably confirmed the absence of solid
wastes separation practices during both collection and disposal periods. The remaining few
households or 7 % of the respondents replied that solid wastes were sorted into organic and
inorganic wastes. Inorganic wastes like cans are usually sorted for sale. In few households,

21
organic wastes like plant origin are sorted for the purpose of reusing in their gardens and as fuel
after the waste gets dried; this is seen in residential households. Animal source (meat and bone)
is used to feed domestic animals like dogs. Unfortunately, there is no solid waste collected
separately for the purpose of recycling in Sagara town. This indicates that even if a great deal of
recyclable solid wastes is generated in the town, it is not drawn to the attention anybody for the
purpose of recycling. Absence of information from commercial households implies the solid
wastes are indiscriminately collected in the area.

4.3.3. Composting
With regard to composting, the households practicing composting are very few, while a
significant amount of this refuse is largely of plant origin /biodegradable/ organic waste.
(Gardner 2001) and (Bezaye 2008), argued that composting is an ancient practice where more
cities in the world nowadays are reclaiming the benefits of reusing solid organic waste material.
It is a natural way to prepare the waste for reuse. During the study, it was observed that there are
people who know at least the use of organic waste for soil fertility improvement. There are also
some people who have training in composting, but are not practicing. The major limitation for
not practicing compost as indicated by the respondent is lack of market and a piece of land for
urban agriculture.

4.3.4. Collection
Waste collection service is one of the chief components of municipal SWM practices. The
survey showed that containers are placed in some neighborhoods. However, a number of
containers are not enough with respect to waste generated and a portion of the neighborhoods are
obliged to throw their refuse into an open area. Some of the households, who are not enjoying
municipal services, have their own way of household waste disposal. The tools that are used for
solid waste collection in both residential and commercial area are shown below in table

Number Percent (%)

Tools Residential Commercial Residential Commercial
Metallic container 0 0 0 0
Basket 4 5 2.86 13.16
Plastic bag 0 0 0 0
Cardboard 0 0 0 0
Empty sack 136 33 97.14 86.8
Total 140 38 100 100
Table: Number of respondents for solid waste primary collection Tools in Sagara town.

22
During the interview, almost all of the respondents from both residential and commercial
households stated that the bulk of primary waste collection equipment’s are sacks whereas a few
said that they use baskets for this purpose. Most of the areas in the town are inaccessible for
motorized collection; therefore, the human powered collection system is mostly used.
Generally, there are three basic types of collection equipment’s. These are: human powered,
animal powered, and engine powered. Under the Sagara town situation, both human and
motorized collection equipment are being used. With regard to the human aspect, transportation
of wastes to the containers is possible using hands and hand pushed carts.
There are different waste collection services given in the study area. Of these services, the
majority use door-to-door collection services while others don’t receive any services rather they
dispose wastes into river systems, burn and reuse for their gardens even though they didn’t
mention.
Household respondents number Percent (%)
Duration Residential Commercial Residential Commercial
Daily 8 26 5.71 68.4
Weekly 120 12 85.7 31.5
Monthly 12 0 8.6 0
Total 140 38 100 100
Table 2.The frequency of solid wastes collection and transfer to the junk region.

From Table 2 it can be realized that majority of wastes from residential households are collected
using door to door service weekly (85.7 %) while the rest 8.6 % and 5.71 % are done so monthly
and daily, respectively. Commercial households receive the door-to-door collection system more
frequently as compared with residential households the former being served 68.4 % daily and
31.5 % weekly. This implies that the households are determined by their bulk of waste
generation to receive a better collection of solid waste services.

4.4. Waste Disposal

Waste disposal, one of the most important management practices, needs to be carefully planned.
23
With regard to waste disposal at transfer station, the study identified that almost all solid waste
generated in households is indiscriminately disposed together i.e. there is no habit of sorting
organic from inorganic waste at the household level. Huge amount of organic materials comes
from the rural areas depraving nutrients from the rural soil to feed the urban population, the
leftovers after consumption have no way to return to the source to build the soil, rather lost and
create problems to human health and the surrounding environment in the town due to
mismanagement. In this study, it was observed that disposing household waste into a river
system is a common practice in the study area. The result of the study also reveals that there are
households who dispose the waste in to a river/ stream, drainage system and any open place.
Regarding improper waste disposal at a transfer stations, respondents blame the rarity of
inspection on the waste management condition of the households, loose management action for
punishment and lack of accountability of the community members. However, they didn’t deny
the current relatively strong monitoring due to the establishment of government structure with
respect to waste management at the city government level. The respondents further stated that
the decentralization of government structure at local/Kebele level for more control of waste
mismanagement.
On the other hand, the survey showed that nobody cares about the waste dumped in the river
banks. Some of the waste is taken away by the river water during rainy season while the rest
remains piled in the river gorge and on its banks.
Despite the punishment on individuals who dispose waste in unauthorized places, the regulations
are seemed not obeyed at all by the households. This is especially pertinent to case of institution
like hotels, restaurants and business institution owners. This is because business man only runs
after his/her benefit since whatsoever amount of waste he/she dump anywhere, the punishment is
less amount of money. This is much less than the payment they pay for pre collectors which
could be one birr for informal private individuals.
The major problems associated with the disposal site are: absence of spreading and leveling by
bulldozer and compacting by compactor. As the result, a great deal of festal and paper origin
wastes has been blowing back to the city by wind power.
The researchers interviewed a household which is located nearby the dumpsite. Regarding the
impact of waste being disposed at this site, respondents stated that:
24
 Suffering from horrible increasing smell from the dumpsite that you can notice
now. Smoke hardly stops; even though it stops, we are obliged to live in unsightly
place and unpleasant smell. We always fear the wind-blown fire hazards to
happen on our properties and lives of children. We are living here because we
have no option. Even if we request everybody who may help us, nobody has drawn
attention so far to us to solve the problem”.
Due to the indiscriminate disposal of waste in the area, the organic waste that goes to this
dumpsite not only pollutes the land and water but also contributes to global warming by
producing greenhouse gases like methane if it is remain left untreated. The dumpsite being
located on the intermittent stream, the catapult of polluted water flowing from waste disposal
area can obviously inject hazards to livestock and people living in the lower basin of the stream.

4.5. Role of Community Participation

Community participation in SWM encompasses several forms of local involvement, including:
awareness and teaching proper sanitary behavior; contributing cash, goods or labor; participating
in consultation, administration, and/or management functions.

Community- based waste management (CBWM) projects require institutional support and
recognition in order to be successful. An integrated system including waste separation at the
source, resource recovery, and composting of organic waste requires representation of waste
pickers, and integration of the community to work with allied stakeholders, including
representatives of waste pickers. Local leaders are often active in management of the service or
maintain close contact with the municipality or community management body. Women and teens
can play crucial roles, such as initiators, managers, operators, political activists, educators, and
watchdogs for the community.

Public awareness and attitudes to waste can affect the whole municipal SWM system. All steps
in municipal SWM starting from household waste storage, to waste segregation, recycling,
collection frequency, willingness to pay for waste management services, and opposition to siting
of waste treatment and disposal facilities depend on public awareness and participation. Thus,
lack of public awareness and school education about the importance of proper SWM for health

25
and well-being of people severely restricts use of community based approaches in developing
countries and also crucial factor for failure of a MSWM service in developing
countries(Zurbrugg 2003) in similar way the community participation in Daye town is very less.
The mobilization of communities was done through the local authorities and existing community
leadership structures.

26
 CHAPTER FIVE

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1. CONCLUSION
SWM is one of the important compulsory functions of not only urban local authorities but also of
rural local bodies. However, this essential service is not efficiently and properly performed by
the concerned bodies of Sagara town resulting in sanitation, social and environmental problems.
Waste management problem is complex because it involves a multitude of scientific, technical,
economic and social factors. Similarly, it is observed that lack of financial resources, institutional
weakness, improper selection of technology, transportation systems and disposal options, social
problem associated with lethargy towards environmental cleanliness and sanitation have made
this service unsatisfactory and inefficient in the study area. It is highly recognized that the
existing solid waste collection and disposal services are inadequate both in terms of coverage and
sanitary treatment of the waste. The solid waste collection service coverage is very low which
means the major portion of the solid waste generated within the town is uncontrolled and
improperly disposed which creates unhealthy environment to live and work in. No condition is
available for community and private sector involvement in re-use, recycle and composting of the
waste. But it can create job opportunity for the unemployed citizens of the town. In general waste
management is not considered as important development sector to meet the goals set in the
national and regional policies and strategies for sustainable development.
Waste collection system of the municipality is weak. Particularly door-to-door collection is
inefficient. The truck assigned to this purpose is only one and is very old so that the coverage is
very limited.
Moreover, the periphery Kebele are not given due attention. Due to lack of containers nearby
their home or door-to-door waste collection services, they dispose of wastes at open areas,
ditches or riverbanks.
The major ways of reducing and disposing of solid wastes such as source reduction, reuse,
recovery, recycling, sanitary landfilling, composting and incineration were absent, if any were
very meager. As a result, wastes were most often dumped on land, in the river or otherwise
burned to reduce volume.

27
There were no awareness raising education and provision to proper training of residents with
regard to residential solid waste management methods in the town. This has aggravated the waste
management problems and challenges thus leading to public health, aesthetic and ecological
concerns.

5.2. Recommendation
As mentioned earlier, waste collection system of the municipality is weak. To improve this, the
following recommendations are given:
Though there is no single readymade solution to control the waste problems, the researchers
found it important to indicate issues requiring serious attention of concerned bodies. The data on
generation rate and the percentage contribution of each solid waste source might have changed
through time due to the change in demographic and socio-economic conditions of the
residencies. Therefore, further study is needed to generate more valid data for current and future
planning. Due to the complexity of the situation, cooperation among different parties/citizens
should be methods of choice and industries and individuals should work as partners rather than
adversary to find a long-term sustainable SWM system. The estimates indicate that over 75% of
the refuse from most households is largely vegetable, biodegradable organic waste which has a
potential for replacing inorganic fertilizer to save foreign exchanges earning, also strengthening
and implying rural-urban-linkage.
Composting has to also be promoted by all actors who have the concern in poverty alleviation’s
and environmental protection. Therefore, attention should be given to reusable household wastes.
Land filling site selection requires special attention; standard measures should be exercised to
control contamination of surface and ground water as well as air. However, none of these
practices are apparent in Sagara town. Being reluctant on the issue needs accountability for
environmental cost/ pollution cost of water resource contamination from open dump site/, cost of
closing many old dumpsites and developing a new one know and then. The existing open
dumpsite is environmentally unsound and socially unaccepted.
Therefore, new landfill site is urgently needed with proper selection of the site/ environmental
impact assessment and construction. Waste needs proper management. The first priority should
be to segregation of wastes, preferably at the point of generation, into re-usable and non-reusable

28
for waste reduction and changing in to financially viable material; hazardous and non-hazardous
components for avoidance of hazardous containing products and waste worker’s safety. Based on
the research findings, the integrated SWM system which combines a range of solid waste
treatment options like reusing, recycling, composting, and waste to energy transformation is
recommended. Majority of the households’ respondents lack awareness about the proper SWM
systems. Therefore, community based waste management system should be in place to ensure
sustainable and efficient alleviation from challenges of waste management.

The municipality has to capacitate “the Health and Environmental Sanitation Section” with
relevant manpower and equipment both qualitatively and quantitatively.

The municipality has to increase waste storage sites (containers). In Sagara town some
households travel more than 2km to find a container. Therefore, the municipality should increase
the number of containers and distribute distances reasonable from households or firms, boarder
Kebele should be given proper attention.

The municipality has to incite and motivate workers who have direct contact with waste.

The municipality has to increase public awareness. Wastes disposed of illegally at any open
spaces are not only because of lack of nearby containers or lack of municipal waste collection
services but also due to lack of awareness of the consequences of mismanaged municipal wastes.

From this study results, large proportion of the generated wastes is either compostable or
recyclable or energy can be reclaimed from it. Therefore, the municipality has to reduce a waste
that goes to disposal site through waste reuse and recycling. Some items can be reused again and
again for the same purpose, or after worn out can be collected and processed again to produce
new product (recycled).

In general, if the town administration improves its effort on municipal waste management system
and gives equal attention to all corners of the town; it will not be very far to see the vision of the
town administration “Beautiful, Clean and Green Sagara”

29
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(AACGSBPDA), (2005).Current status of solid waste management of

Administration of Addis Ababa.

Agresty, A. and Finlay, B. (1986).Statistical Methods for social sciences. 2nd Edn.,Dellen

Publishing company, USA, P. 19-25, 105

Baum, B. and Parker, C.H. (1973).Solid Waste Disposal. Reuse/Recycle and Pyrolysis.Vol.1,

Ann Arbor Science and Publishers, Michigan, USA.

Bjerkli, C.L. (2005). The Cycle of Plastic Waste: An Analysis on the informal plasticrecovery

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Central Statistics Authority, (2001). Report on the 1999/2000 Household IncomesConsumption

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