Action Plan for the Promotion of 3R in Solid Waste Management in Nairobi County

Abstract

Waste management in many cities such as Nairobi has largely been centred on collection and disposal. This approach has however come under scrutiny due to increased waste quantities over time. Such has led to the strain of the existing waste sinks such as the already filled up Dandora dumpsite and increased negative impacts on the environment and public health. The aim of this study hence was to develop an action plan to promote the 3R in solid waste management in Nairobi County. Specifically, the objectives were to investigate the management of solid waste in Nairobi County, targeting Upper Savanna and Lower Savanna Wards as case studies; to identify waste management gaps, suggest interventions to address the gaps, and to develop an action plan to foster 3R (reduction, reuse and recycling) in waste management in the target area. The study was focused on municipal wastes, specifically from domestic and commercial sources. Baseline data was obtained using questionnaires responded to by households and commercial premises, and interview schedules for the Department of Environment in Nairobi City County and community groups involved in waste management. About 91% of the respondents in the study area indicated that they receive waste collection services, mostly from local community groups (67%). Despite this, open dumping and burning of waste was found to be a common practice (40%). Other noted gaps were low waste separation, limited efforts towards the 3R, and low public awareness and participation. To address these gaps, the study proposes maximum waste collection as a first step, followed by waste separation at source. These are then to be followed by 3R which attacks a

waste stream in a manner that takes steps to sequentially Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover a waste stream. The cross-cutting item supporting the three is public awareness and participation, which would play a key role in introduction, implementation and sustenance of the proposed action plan.