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Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa

Author

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  • Jacoba M. M. Viljoen

    (School of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Catherina J. Schenck

    (DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Liza Volschenk

    (School of Economics and Econometrics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa)

  • Phillip F. Blaauw

    (School of Economic Sciences, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

  • Lizette Grobler

    (DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

Abstract

Waste management in rural areas poses a major challenge to local governments in developing countries. Municipalities face limited budgets and obstacles with the collection of waste, as well as a lack of proper equipment, infrastructure, and treatment centres. These obstacles lead to further problems, such as littering and illegal dumping, contributing to the knowledge base regarding remote and rural towns in South Africa. This study aims to assess the waste management practices and challenges of households in a Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa. The study investigates the household waste management practices, identifies the challenges experienced by households regarding their waste management, and explores their willingness to participate in a separation-at-source program. A cross-sectional research design was used along with a mixed methods research methodology. A sample of 160 interviews was completed over the period 16 to 20 September 2019. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were used in the data analysis. The results indicate that municipalities, and households, will have to collaboratively search for solutions towards effective waste management in rural areas. Financial constraints also necessitate the investigation of alternative ways of managing household waste through cooperation with surrounding towns.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacoba M. M. Viljoen & Catherina J. Schenck & Liza Volschenk & Phillip F. Blaauw & Lizette Grobler, 2021. "Household Waste Management Practices and Challenges in a Rural Remote Town in the Hantam Municipality in the Northern Cape, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:11:p:5903-:d:561044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Amanda M. Y. Chu, 2021. "Illegal Waste Dumping under a Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme: Application of the Neutralization Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-10, August.
    4. Giovanni Vinti & Mentore Vaccari, 2022. "Solid Waste Management in Rural Communities of Developing Countries: An Overview of Challenges and Opportunities," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-14, November.
    5. Samantha Louise Lange & Mpinane Flory Senekane & Nisha Naicker, 2022. "Understanding the Socio-Demographic Profile of Waste Re-Users in a Suburban Setting in South Africa," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(5), pages 1-11, May.
    6. Ferdinan & Suyud Warno Utomo & Tri Edhi Budhi Soesilo & Herdis Herdiansyah, 2022. "Household Waste Control Index towards Sustainable Waste Management: A Study in Bekasi City, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-20, November.
    7. Solichah Ratnasari & Kosuke Mizuno & Herdis Herdiansyah & Edward G. H. Simanjutak, 2023. "Enhancing Sustainability Development for Waste Management through National–Local Policy Dynamics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-24, April.

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