The increase in global population and high urbanisation rates characterised by high
resource consumption and waste generation levels has led to challenges in waste
management around the world. Waste management remains one of the most critical
challenges faced by local governments in developing countries. Informal business
enterprises have come under the spotlight for their high waste production and poor waste
management practices. Many arguments have been put forward as to the real
environmental impacts caused by informal business enterprises due to their waste
practices.
This research aimed at assessing the waste management practices in the informal
business sector in Olievenhoutbosch Township, Pretoria. Data collection was carried out
between March 2016 and September 2016. The research utilised both qualitative and
quantitative methods. The methodology employed techniques that included structured
questionnaires, structured interviews and field observations. Semi- structured face to face
interviews were carried out with key informants. These interviews provided information
on the frequency of waste collection, available waste management awareness and
challenges faced in delivering the service. The research also involved 230 field
observations to study the pattern and frequency of waste collection and waste behaviours
by informal business enterprises. Questionnaires were administered to 120 informal
business enterprises with a response rate of 84.17%. Data from questionnaires and field
observations indicated that waste generated by informal business enterprises (plastic
bags, card board, packaging plastics, glass bottles and plastic bottles) was mainly
recyclable waste. The most preferred disposal methods were use of refuse plastic bags
(31%), open space dumping (20%) and burning (30%).
Analysis of the results showed that there was lack of information on waste management
and that also influenced waste behaviours. Preferences for waste disposal methods were
influenced by many factors including lack of information, shortage of waste disposal
facilities and waste collection frequency by the local town council. The research found
that waste collection in various sections of the township was done once per week which
has led to increased indiscriminate waste dumping and burning of waste. It was
recommended that waste management information be provided to informal business
enterprises especially on waste separation and recycling. The municipality should
increase frequency of waste collection or provide central point waste facilities to business
operators. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/23265 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | Dube, Innocent |
| Contributors | Chitakira, M., Tekere, M. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (xiii, 105 pages) : color illustrations, maps |
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