WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG HOUSEHOLDS

IN MANARCAD PANCHAYATH

Merin Mary John

B.Ed. Student (Physical Science)
Mount Carmel College of Teacher Education for Women, Kottayam.

Abstract
The present research work entitled as “Waste Management among Households in
ManarcadPanchayath” was carried out to determine the waste management techniques
adopted in households in ManarcadPanchayath.A sample of 50 households of
ManarcadPanchayath was selected for the study via random sampling technique.The survey
reveals that most of the households collect their waste in containers and burning is a
commonly used method of disposing of waste. The study figure out that ignorance of the
people is the main reason behind improper waste management.
Key term: Waste Management

Introduction
We are born from the earth, we return to the earth and we sustain by the earth. Hence
the environment in which we live is very important and it directly affects our lives. It is said
that man is the product of his environment. Environmental problem is a global concern. It has
no boundary. Around the world; efforts are being made to make people aware about
environmental protection. One of the main causes of environmental degradation is improper
management in the disposal of waste. It is a major cause of pollution and outbreak of diseases
in many parts of the world. There is no permanent solution for environmental problems, only
thing we can reduce and control waste generation by proper awareness and practice. Proper
management of the waste generated is most important in this matter.
Waste Management is the term that refers to the collection, processing, recycling,
transport, and monitoring of waste products.The term normally relates to all kinds of waste,
whether generated during the extraction of raw materials, the processing of raw materials into
intermediate and final products, the consumption of final products, or other human
activities, including municipal (residential, institutional, commercial), agricultural, and social
(health care, household hazardous waste, sewage sludge). Waste management is intended to
reduce adverse effects of waste on health and the environment. Waste management practices
are not uniform among countries (developed and developing nations); regions
(urban and rural area), and sectors (residential and industrial).

Waste management is important because improperly stored refuse can cause health,
safety and economic problems. All living organisms create waste, but humans create far more
waste than other species. To prevent damaging the earth’s ecosystems and maintain a high
quality of life for the planet’s inhabitants, humans must manage and store their waste
efficiently and safely. The awareness of waste management would definitely help to reduce
environmental degradation. The health hazards due to air, water and soil pollution will
deteriorate nation's economy and development. Hence Awareness of waste management is
essential because the knowledge of natural and manipulated environment will help in
identifying the problems and finding solutions in improving the quality of the environment
for the future generations. The basic understanding of environment helps in sustainable
development. Hence the investigator decided to study the waste management among
households in ManarcadPanchayath.

Objectives of the study

 To determine the waste management techniques adopted in households in
ManarcadPanchayath.
 To recommend appropriate waste handling and disposal measures.

Methodology
Survey method was opted for the study.50 households from ManarcadPanchayath of
kottayamdistrict were taken as the sample for the study.The investigator prepared a
questionnaire consisting of 21 questions, to collect the data from the households of
ManarcadPanchayath regarding waste management techniques.

Analysis and Interpretation

The investigator conducted a survey among 50 households on the topic “waste
management in households in Manarcad Panchayath”. Among the 50 households16 (32%)
were joint family and 34 (68%) nuclear family.
60% of households collect their waste in containers and 40% of households do not
used containers.70% do not separate their waste before disposal. 80% of households are in
charge of making decisions about garbage disposal in home. 70% of households in
ManarcadPanchayath use home pit in disposing off their household wastes (70%).
However, it was found that 84% have an idea about the interrelationbetween waste
and the public health problems. 70% of households think that improper waste management
leads to water and air pollution which is a serious environmental problem.80% of households
think that improper waste management is responsible for epidemic like
chikunguniyaanddengue. 60% of households use home pit as a method of their household
waste collection.
The diagrammatic representation of dumping household waste is given in fig (1)

Area of dumping household waste

0%

20% compost
fence

20%outside 60% home pit

the house

Fig (1): Areas of dumping household waste.

70% of households are involved in selling recyclable materials to house-to-house

collectors. Recycling is not a common practice in ManarcadPanchayath, and households are
probably unaware of recycling methods. The 80% of households in ManarcadPanchayath
disposed of their waste by burning, although it creates further environmental problems.
People have very little knowledge about the composting. Even though, 30% of
households opined that they have some idea about composting, this knowledge is only limited
togeneral understanding on composting.20% of household’s showed willingness to pay for
pick-up of these recycling materials from home, about 80% said they don’t want to pay.
Present study showed that there is a serious lack of awareness about e-wastes and it
management among households. 80% of households are not interested in biogas plant .But
20% of households have biogas plant.90% of peoples respond that changing life style and
rising income level generate more wastes. 100% households respond that there is no any
waste collection mechanism provided by Govt. or private business holders

Findings and Conclusion

 Most of the households collect their waste in containers.
 Some households are involved in selling recyclable materials to house-to-house
collectors.
 Very few have an idea about the composting.
 Females are significantly more aware of waste management than males. Females are also
significantly more knowledgeable than males about open dumping.
 Burning is a commonly used method of disposing of waste.
 Awareness programs are needed in ManarcadPanchayath regarding how their activities
contribute to waste-related problems and to introduce composting and
recycling methods.
 Present study showed that there is a serious lack of awareness about e-wastes and its
management among households.
A number of factors affect the household waste management; family size, disposal
method used, source reduction, reuse and recycling measures, frequency of waste collection,
participation in training programs and the education level of the household head. Improving
general public awareness concerning the problem of waste management should be a high
priority of the responsible authorities and the general public as well.

References
1.https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-waste-management-recycling-dee-mohammed
2. Prof. Varkey Mathew.(2007).Solid Waste Management in Kottayam Town.