Drivers of Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling in Kampala Slums, Uganda: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Behavior Centered Design Model

Richard K. Mugambe (), Rebecca Nuwematsiko, Tonny Ssekamatte, Allan G. Nkurunziza, Brenda Wagaba, John Bosco Isunju, Solomon T. Wafula, Herbert Nabaasa, Constantine B. Katongole, Lynn M. Atuyambe and Esther Buregyeya
Additional contact information
Richard K. Mugambe: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Rebecca Nuwematsiko: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Tonny Ssekamatte: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Allan G. Nkurunziza: Department of Public Health, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Brenda Wagaba: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
John Bosco Isunju: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Solomon T. Wafula: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Herbert Nabaasa: Environmental Health Department, Ministry of Health, Plot 6, Lourdel Road, Nakasero, Kampala P.O. Box 7272, Uganda
Constantine B. Katongole: Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
Lynn M. Atuyambe: Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
Esther Buregyeya: Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: Solid-waste management is a challenge in many cities, especially in low-income countries, including Uganda. Simple and inexpensive strategies such as solid-waste segregation and recycling have the potential to reduce risks associated with indiscriminate waste management. Unfortunately, these strategies have not been studied and adopted in slums in low-income countries. This cross-sectional qualitative study, therefore, used the behavioral-centered design model to understand the drivers of recycling in Kampala slums. Data were coded using ATLAS ti version 7.0, and content analysis was used for interpreting the findings. Our findings revealed that the study practices were not yet habitual and were driven by the presence of physical space for segregation containers, and functional social networks in the communities. Additionally, financial rewards and awareness related to the recycling benefits, and available community support were found to be critical drivers. The availability of infrastructure and objects for segregation and recycling and the influence of politics and policies were identified. There is, therefore, need for both the public and private sector to engage in developing and implementing the relevant laws and policies on solid waste recycling, increase community awareness of the critical behavior, and create sustainable markets for waste segregated and recycled products.

Keywords: waste segregation; waste recycling; slums; solid waste management; Uganda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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