Waste Management Approaches and Environmental Conservation in Uganda :

Abstract

The study focused on the influence of waste management approaches on environmental conservation in Kabale Municipal Council. Specifically, to examine different methods of waste management and their influence on environmental conservation, to assess the challenges faced in waste management and its effects on environmental conservation and to establish measures in place to promote waste management in environmental conservation in Kabale Municipal Council. A case study design was employed, using a qualitative approach. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select 17 respondents. Data collection methods included interviews and focus group discussions. The data was analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVIVO. The study established that Kabale Municipal Council has made some efforts to promote recycling by setting up plastic waste collection points and encouraging businesses to recycle materials. The study found that incineration, as a method of waste management, has not been widely implemented in the Kabale Municipal Council. The study also found that Kabale Municipal Council primarily utilises waste collection trucks for regular household and commercial waste collection. The study found that municipalities lack sufficient waste collection vehicles and waste disposal facilities to cover all areas, especially informal settlements and rural zones. The study found that Kabale Municipal Council has launched public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of proper waste management, recycling, and the health risks of improper waste disposal. The study recommends that the Kabale Municipal Council should encourage households and businesses to separate their waste into categories. The study also recommends that the Kabale Municipal Council should launch continuous public education campaigns to inform the community about the importance of waste segregation, recycling, and proper disposal. Lastly, it was recommended that the Kabale Municipal Council should develop and implement a long-term waste management plan that includes waste minimisation, collection, recycling, disposal, and energy recovery.