Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to investigate how households in the Tain
district manage waste and to determine whether their waste management
practices are appropriate to reducing environmental and sanitation related
challenges. The population included all permanent residents in Tain District.
The sample size for the study was 1,037. Female heads in each household
were selected using the convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire and
observation checklist, developed by the researcher was used to collect the
data. Results indicated that the abundant type of waste generated in the district
was food Scraps (41%). Moreover, majority (76.37%) used public dumpsite as
waste disposal place. Also, majority (50.05%) of the participants were
dissatisfied with waste management institutions in Tain District. Furthermore,
majority of the participants have adequate knowledge on perceived health
effects of indiscriminate waste management practices. Participants call for the
provision of waste collection bins / containers to help properly manage the
district waste. There is adequate knowledge on perceived health effects of
indiscriminate waste disposal. The study concluded that waste generated at
home was largely food scraps. Some community members practiced crude
dumping in any available space, including gutters, streets and backyard. Some
recommendations that were made included, there should be provision of
enough dustbins/ public waste containers and employment of more Zommlion
workers by the Tain District Assembly and Zoomlion
