An investigation into solid waste management in townships : the case study of Clermont, KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

An environmental challenge that is currently plaguing the South African townships in the Metropolitan Area is the volume of solid waste being illegally disposed in open spaces along road verges as well as in streams. The research aims to identify the root cause of illegal dumping in the township of Clermont, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The researcher used quantitative, qualitative and observation methodologies to collect data from member’s of the community of Clermont. The severity of the problem will be measured by looking at different age groups; level of income per household as well as gender. In general waste management and environmental management has received little attention compared to other socio-economic problems like un-employment. As the bulk of the world’s population move from rural areas to urban areas, poverty is becoming an increasingly urban phenomenon. Environmental problems range from impairment of human health, economic and other welfare and extinction of the ecosystem. The urban poor bear the greatest burden of urban environmental risks. The most significant environmental challenge in South Africa is effectively management of waste. Currently the focus in South Africa has been on waste disposal rather than on waste prevention. Consequently there are no incentives for reducing waste and industries are not required to submit plans for waste management when commencing a new business. Waste management legislation is fragmented; as a result there is a lack of control in waste management. This research will investigate whether community members are aware of what is expected from them by the municipality and private waste collection companies. It will further analyse at the norm of waste disposal within the developing countries compared to developed countries. The study will attempt to provide practical solutions for the township of Clermont. The study has five chapters. The first chapter introduce the problem, objectives and hypothesis. The second chapter deals with the theoretical review to help the reader understand different cases and how waste management handled in different parts of the world. This has been done by looking at the international, national and local level, comparing waste management trends. The third chapter describe the study area in detail and different scientific methodologies researcher used to prove or disprove the hypothesis and objectives that were set in the first chapter. Chapter four analyses all the data that was collected from the community of Clermont and unpack other underlying factors that lead to poor waste management in this township. For example the researcher will conclude using the data collected if the frequency of waste collection is sufficient for the community and what can be done to minimize illegal dumping. Chapter five, which is the last chapter of this dissertation will suggest recommendations that can be used to correct all problems that associated with illegal dumping in Clermont Township.