Compliance and implementation of municipal solid waste management laws and regulations in Mukono District, Uganda

Abstract

Consumption and production of resources leads to generation of wastes that may be undesirable in the environment. Solid waste management laws are put in place aimed at ensuring proper and effective control and management of wastes in an area. This study was set out to assess the compliance and implementation of municipal solid waste management laws and regulations in Mukono district, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to: characterize the solid wastes generated in Mukono municipality; determine the mechanisms of implementation of solid waste management laws and regulations in Mukono municipality; and to assess the effectiveness of the solid waste management laws and regulations in Mukono municipality. A case study design complimented with both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed to obtain the required data to answer the stated objectives. A questionnaire and documentary review were used to collect the required data for the study. A number of solid wastes including food and food wastes; glass, plastics and metals; and textiles among others were generated in Mukono municipality. There are solid waste management laws and regulations used in the management of wastes in Mukono municipality. Some mechanisms including awareness creation and monitoring implementation processes have been put in place for an effective implementation of municipal solid waste management laws. The study found out that there has been an ineffective implementation of municipal solid waste management laws in Mukono municipality which were most likely brought about by poor leadership, inappropriate allocation of funds and low levels of awareness among members of the local community. It is recommended that Institutions like the Environment Police and the National Environment Authority should work hand in hand to strengthen the implementation of solid waste management laws and regulations in the country. The government should enhance sensitization campaigns about what the solid waste management laws and regulations entail. In addition, funds required for implementation of the laws and regulations should be appropriated and be used for the intended purposes.