Factors Influencing Recycling Of Solid Waste In Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish factors influencing recycling of solid waste in urban areas within Machakos County. The aims of the study were; to ascertain how technical factors influence recycling of solid waste in Machakos County, to determine how financial factors can affect recycling of solid waste in the Machakos County, examine the influence of stakeholder involvement on solid waste recycling in Machakos County. The target population for this study was Machakos county‟s employees in the solid waste management department, NEMA officials, public health officials and MOH. The study employed a descriptive survey design and interview guide to key informants and the target population was 122 individuals drawn from different sub-counties in Machakos County. A stratified sampling technique was used. It comprised of all the respondents who were targeted. There was collection of primary data using questionnaires. Analysis of the data collected from the pilot study done was analyzed using SPSS 21 and Microsoft Excel. The study found that financial factors played a role influencing recycling of solid waste in Machakos County. Technical factors such as lack of professional personnel and equipment had an association to recycling solid waste. Stakeholder involvement such as informal sector, community based organizations, donors and NGO‟s have an influence on recycling of solid waste. The researcher examined the data and demonstrated the results in tables. The recommendations in this research centered on factors influencing recycling of solid waste in Machakos County, Kenya were, strict enforcement of by-laws and policy, more budget allocation and proper waste allocation systems which are as follows: The County government should allocate enough budgets for provision of SWM services within the county. The county should facilitate proper waste management activities so as to reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste in the county‟s environment. Additionally, the County should advocate for good recycling activities of the solid wastes to add value by converting the solid wastes to useful products. Besides, it should develop market for the solid waste materials by putting in place good policies for disposing the materials. The county should enforce regulations while at the same time promoting campaigns which will reduce disposal of solid waste in the county. It will be important to publicize training manuals, best practices and also provide useful technical and financial assistance which will encourage better solid waste recycling and reusing practices