Abstract:
Solid waste which is a consequence of day-to-day activity of human kind, needs to be
managed properly. Hossana, like other towns in Ethiopia, faces serious problems
associated with solid waste management and disposal practices. The increasing amount
of solid waste production was exacerbated the impact of related problems. This study was
conducted with the objectives of to explore the challenges and practices of solid waste
management and disposal activity in Hossana town. Different sampling methods were
employed to select the study units like stratified sampling, techniques and purposive
sampling. Even though most of the collected data from the interviewed respondents were
qualitative in nature, it was also supported by quantitative information collected through
survey and secondary sources. The analysis of this paper was carried out using
bothqualitative and quantitative techniques. Lack of public awareness, low
implementation of rules and regulation, lack of institutional coordination and absence of
financing, poor condition of solid waste disposal practices, lack of private sector
participation and low community involvement was the challenges of solid waste
managementand disposal practices in Hossana town. Therefore, the best ways that used
to tackle the above problems are: implementation of sustainable solid waste management
practices through awarenesscreation and training, improvement of sanitation,
beautification and parking sector institutional structure and budget allocation, implement
of rules and regulation and involvement of community in solid waste management
practices all stakeholders. Solid waste management and disposal practice strategies
developed for Hossana town have a number of importance for minimizing the problems
that faced the current municipality’s proper solid waste management and disposal
practices. Finally, the study forwarded some important recommendations towards
implementing the developed strategies to mitigate the existing solid waste management
problems.
