UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

RESEARCH PROJECT
BY: ABDIRAHIM MOHAMED IBRAHIM

YEAR: FIFTH

REG. NO: F16/2334/2009

DEPT: CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION ENG.

COURSE: BSC. CIVIL ENGINEERING

COURSE UNIT: FCE 590 (PROJECT)

PROJECT TITLE: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN EASTLEIGH AREA :

A CASE STUDY AT 6TH AND 7TH STREET

PROJECT COORDINATOR: ENG. D. M WANJAU

DATE SUBMITTED: 21TH MARCH 2014

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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

Study of Solid waste management

A case study in Eastleigh Six & seventh street

By: Abdirahim Mohamed Ibrahim

Research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of requirement for the

award of the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil and Construction
Engineering at
The university of Nairobi

March 2014
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ABSTRACT
Waste is part of the society, it’s unavoidable evil and must be handled very carefully. Solid waste is a
global problem that involve multinational governments both the developing and developed countries.

This project gives a detailed analysis of the solid waste situation in Eastleigh area. An area that has
experienced rapid development and population growth in the last decade.

The state of the environment around human settlement has enormous impact on the health of the
population. To have a clean environment is therefore of paramount importance in order to avoid
negative impacts of environment in our health. The way the refuse is handled in our settlements has a
direct influence on the extent to which we attempt to keep our environment clean

Solid waste, popularly known as garbage , is a function of population occupying an area. With the
high population increase in our urban areas, there is need to properly dispose the refuse in a way that
is in accordance with the best practice of public health , engineering and economics.

An attempt to identify the major cause of failure of the city council to manage solid waste in Eastleigh
area is made. In this project the current solid waste situation in Nairobi in general is discussed
followed by specific situations and case studies in Eastleigh area.

The project has six chapters. The first two chapters give an overall review of solid waste problem
starting from waste generation and handling to collection and ultimate disposal. The next two chapters
deals with analysis of the field results including questionnaires and oral interviews, and discussion of
the results and the existing solid waste management systems in Eastleigh and finally recommendation
on the best ways to manage wastes and other alternative techniques
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DECLARATION

This research thesis is my original work and to the best of my knowledge it has not
been presented for a degree award in this or any other university.

Abdirahim Mohamed Ibrahim

Reg No: F16/2334/2009

Sign......................... Date.........................

This research thesis has been submitted to the University, UON, for examination
with my approval as the supervisor:

ENG D.M WANJAU

Civil and Construction Engineering Department,

The University Of Nairobi.

Sign......................... Date.........................
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DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to my loving Mum for her tender care, to my Dad and Mum for their support
and to my Siblings and friends for their earnest support and timely encouragement; God bless you.
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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: types of solid waste generated

Figure 2: Municipal solid waste Generation and Recovery containers and packaging , 2009

figure 3: materials flow and the generation of solid wastes in a technological study

Figure 4: Integrated approach of solid waste management

Figure 5: A flow chart of solid waste cycle from generation to the final disposal

Figure 6 : composting of wastes in Eastleigh 6th and 7th street

Figure 7: types of wastes produced

Figure 8: Methods of Waste disposal

Figure 9: Waste generated

Figure 10: Heavy metal concentrations in the study’s soil samples and soil standards
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LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 2.1: The same study estimated the composition of MSW

TABLE 2.2 : Typical composition City solid wastes in India

TABLE 4.1 : Composition of solid waste in Eastleigh based on photogrammetry

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I first thank the Almighty God for his protection and the gift of knowledge from the start to the
completion of this work. Without Him I would do nothing.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to Eng D.M wanjau, my supervisor, for guiding and
encouraging me to complete this research. Without his numerous suggestions, this paper would never
have been completed. He constantly inspired and motivated me to achieve my academic goals.

My special thanks go to my fellow students for their encouragement and assistance in various issues
regarding this research work. In addition, I thank the Citizens whose responses were invaluable to the
study. Most importantly , I thank and especially KAAH investment Ltd for sharing their in depth
knowledge of Solid waste management in Eastleigh

Lastly but not least, I would like to record my deep sense of appreciation to my Friends Abubakr
Salim Mohamed and Mohamed Salim for their overwhelming support they accorded me through out
the project period.
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Table of Contents

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................... III

DECLARATION................................................................................................................... IV

DEDICATION......................................................................................................................... V

LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................. VI

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... VII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................. VIII

ABBREVIATIONS AND NOMENCLATURES ............................................................ XIII

CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1.1 A brief description about Eastleigh ………………………………………………………………………………………1

1.2 Study justification ...................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Problem statement .................................................................................................................................... 3

1.4 Objectives .................................................................................................................................................. 6

CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................................. 8

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................. 8

2.1 DEFINITION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (SWM) ............................................................... 8

2.2 MATERIALS FLOW IN SOCIETY ........................................................................................................ 8

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2.3 DIFFICULT WASTES ............................................................................................................................. 9

2.4 Threat of Poor Solid Waste Management ................................................................................................ 9

2.5 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOLID WASTES ........................................................................................ 11

2.5.1 Chemical properties of solid waste .......................................................................................................... 11
2.5.2 Biological properties of Solid Waste ....................................................................................................... 11

2.6 The functional elements of City Solid Waste: ........................................................................................ 12

2.6.1 Waste generation ..................................................................................................................................... 12
2.6.2 Waste handling and separation, storage and processing at the source ..................................................... 16
2.6.3 Collection ................................................................................................................................................ 16
2.6.4 Separation and processing and transformation of solid wastes ............................................................... 17
2.6.5 Disposal ................................................................................................................................................... 17

2.7 Solid Waste as a Socio-Economic Opportunity ...................................................................................... 18

2.8 The Detour in Solid Waste Management .............................................................................................. 18

2.8.1 Waste Recovery/Reclamation ............................................................................................................... 19
2.8.2 Waste Recycling ...................................................................................................................................... 19
2.8.3 Waste Processing..................................................................................................................................... 20
2.8.4 Waste Minimisation ................................................................................................................................ 21
2.8.5 Re-thinking ............................................................................................................................................. 21

2.9 Factors affecting Waste generation Rates .............................................................................................. 22

2.10 Health and injury hazards of solid waste treatments ........................................................................... 23

2.11 Use of economic instruments ................................................................................................................ 23

2.12 Explaining poor performance ............................................................................................................... 23

2.12.1 Weaknesses in NCC ............................................................................................................................. 24
2.12.2 Rapid population growth and urbanization ........................................................................................... 24
2.12.3 Lack of SWM policy and framework .................................................................................................... 25
2.12.4 Un-regulated private sector participation .............................................................................................. 25
2.12.5 Low rate of waste recovery and recycling ............................................................................................. 26
2.12.6 Focus on plastic shopping bags ............................................................................................................. 27

2.13 Overview of the problem ...................................................................................................................... 27

2.14 Status of the problem in Kenya ............................................................................................................ 28

2.15 Landfilling as a component of an integrated solid waste management system .................................... 29

2.15.1 What is a Landfill? ................................................................................................................................ 29
2.15.2 The open dump ...................................................................................................................................... 29
2.15.3 Controlled dumps. ................................................................................................................................. 30

2.16 Collection Costs .................................................................................................................................... 30

2.16.1 Hauling Costs ........................................................................................................................................ 31
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2.17 Transfer Stations .................................................................................................................................. 31

2.18 Private versus Public Ownership/Management ................................................................................... 31

2.19 Future of Land Disposal ....................................................................................................................... 31

2.19.1 Recycling............................................................................................................................................... 31

2.20 Wastes Requiring Special Attention ..................................................................................................... 32

2.20.1 Hazardous waste. .................................................................................................................................. 32
2.20.2 Medical waste ........................................................................................................................................ 33

2.21 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................... 34

CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................................... 36

3.0 METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 36

3.1 Primary Data .......................................................................................................................................... 36

3.1.1 Observation during site visits .................................................................................................................. 36
3.1.2 Sampling ................................................................................................................................................. 36
3.1.3 Photogrammetry ...................................................................................................................................... 36
3.1.4 Questionnaires ......................................................................................................................................... 37

3.2 Secondary data collection ....................................................................................................................... 37

CHAPTER 4 ........................................................................................................................... 38

4.0 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................... 38

4.1 Composition of Waste ............................................................................................................................. 38

CHAPTER 5 ........................................................................................................................... 42

5.0 DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................... 42

5.1 WASTE GENERATION AND COMPOSITION .................................................................................. 42

5.1.1 Residential areas ...................................................................................................................................... 42
5.1.2 supermarkets ........................................................................................................................................... 43
5.1.3 hotels ....................................................................................................................................................... 43

5.2 STORAGE OF SOLID WASTES .......................................................................................................... 43

5.3 COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID WASTES ..................................................... 44

5.3.1 STAKEHOLDERS IN SOLID WASTE COLLECTION ...................................................................... 44
5.3.2 health and safety of waste collection ....................................................................................................... 45

5.4 ULTIMATE DISPOSAL ........................................................................................................................ 46

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5.4.1 The Dandora Municipal Waste Dumping Site ........................................................................................ 46

5.4.2 alternative methods of waste disposal ..................................................................................................... 47

CHAPTER 5 ........................................................................................................................... 54

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................... 54

5.1 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 54

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 56

5.2.1 Intergrated Solid waste management ....................................................................................................... 56
5.2.2 Waste collection ...................................................................................................................................... 56
5.2.3 Public awareness ..................................................................................................................................... 56
5.2.4 composting .............................................................................................................................................. 57
5.2.5 waste recovery ,re-use and recycling....................................................................................................... 57
5.2.6 legislation and enforcement ..................................................................................................................... 57

CHAPTER 6 ........................................................................................................................... 58

6.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 58

APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................ 61

Appendix A: ADDITIONAL LITERATURE .............................................................................................. 62

Appendix B: QUESTIONNAIRES .............................................................................................................. 67

Appendix D: PROJECT PICTORIALS ...................................................................................................... 69

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abbreviations and nomenclatures

UNCHS: United Nations Center for Human Settlements

ISWM: Integrated Solid Waste Management

ISWA: International Waste Association

CCN: City Council of Nairobi

MSW: City Solid Waste

UN: United Nations

kg: kilogram

SWM: Solid Waste Management

MC: Moisture Content

 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the important obligatory functions of any urban local
authority. It refers to all activities pertaining to the control, collection, transportation, processing and
disposal of those in accordance with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering,
conservation, aesthetics and other environmental considerations. According to Rotich, Zhao and Dong
(2005), the fundamental target of solid waste management is to protect the health of the population,
promote environmental quality, develop sustainability and provide support to economic productivity
through utilisation of waste as a resource. These objectives should be attained in a viable manner that
is affordable by the residents over the long term with minimum risks involved to the persons doing it.
This essential service, however, is not efficiently and properly performed by many cities in
developing countries. For instance, many urban centers in Kenya are grappling with increasing piles
of waste, disposal technologies and methodologies, and overflowing dumping sites. A combination of
all of the factors including lack of resources - financial and personnel, institutional weakness,
improper selection of technology, transportation systems and disposal options, public apathy towards
environmental cleanliness and protection have made this service unsatisfactory in many of these
cities. One of the most important outputs of the Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development ) in 1992 was Agenda 21: An action plan for the 1990s and well into
the twenty –first century , elaborating strategies and integrated programme measures to halt and
reverse the effects of environmental degradation and to promote environmentally sound and
sustainable development in all countries (UNCED, 1992) This agenda include an action plan for
cities wishing to enhance urban sustainability . some of the recommendations of the agenda include
among others, the need to promote actively , to strengthen and expand waste re-use and recycling
systems.
Sub-Saharan Africa has been greatly affected by 1980s economic crisis which resulted in increased
hardship for most of the region’s poor. One of the consequences of the economic crisis is the failure
of the African governments to provide adequate urban service . this lead to problems of proper
collection and disposal of waste especially solid waste.

In Nairobi the responsibility of waste management is vested on the Nairobi City Council, but, due to
lack of adequate resources, the local authority have been overwhelmed by the increased waste
generation due to industrialization and high population.

This study focuses on Eastleigh Area , A rapidly emerging residence with vibrant commercial
businesses and tall buildings which has made it one of the largest market center in East Africa, this
rapid development has come at a price especially environmental price, poor housing planning, lack of
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strict regulations compounded with negligence by the City council has transformed the place into a
damping site. Few months ago a round-about in 12 Street was used as a damping site, moreover , the
situation is made worse by public , who litter and appear to have absolutely no regard to the
environmental health.

This study highlights the solid waste management in the township putting a lot of emphasis on storage
, collection and ultimate disposal of the wastes by the local authorities and the residents, it also
recommend cheap , workable and sustainable methods of solid waste management in the area.

1.1.1 Abrief description about Eastleigh

Eastleigh is a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya. It is located east of the central business district.
Predominantly inhabited by Somali immigrants, it has been described as "Little Mogadishu",[1] as well
as "a country within a country with its own economy" on account of its robust business sector

Eastleigh was founded in 1921. The colonial government allotted Nairobi's residential estates by race,
and Eastleigh was pointed for Asians and elite Africans who worked as clerks, builders or
shoemakers.[3] Eastleigh was originally a large Kenyan Asian enclave until independence in 1963. In
recent years, the suburb has been dominated and almost exclusively inhabited by Somali immigrants

Administratively, Eastleigh is divided into Eastleigh North and Eastleigh South. Both are part of
Nairobi's Pumwani division.

Eastleigh is further partitioned into three areas:

 Section I - from Juja Road

 Section II - the commercial center
 Section III - situated towards Jogoo Road
 Eastleigh is almost entirely inhabited by Somalis, except for a few indigenous residents.[2] The
suburb's commercial sector is likewise dominated by Somalis, with most if not all businesses
owned by the Somali community.[2] Somalis have invested heavily in the enclave,
contributing over $1.5 billion in the neighborhood alone.[5] As of September 2012, Eastleigh
accounted for around 25% of the Nairobi City Council's tax revenues.[6]
 Businesses in the suburb range from small stalls to shopping malls and night lodges, and all
feature Somali names such as Tawakal, Mogadishu, Qaran and Halal. Products are typically
imported from Mogadishu and Dubai, and include designer clothing, jewelry and even guns.[2]
 Starting in late 2012, a mass exodus of Somali residents was reported after a prolonged period
of harassment by the Kenyan police and public. Hundreds of Somali entrepreneurs withdrew
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between Sh10 to Sh40 billion from their bank accounts, with the intention of reinvesting most
of that money back home in Somalia. The collective departures most affected Eastleigh's real
estate sector, as landlords struggled to find Kenyans able to afford the high rates of the
apartments and shops vacated by the Somalis.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastleigh,_Nairobi)

1.2 Study justification

Kenya aims to be a nation that has a clean, secure and sustainable environment by 2030. This will be
achieved through: (i) improving pollution and waste management through the application of the right
economic incentives (ii); promoting environmental conservation to better support the economic
pillar’s aspiration (iii) commissioning of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for improved efficiency in
water and sanitation delivery;…” [3] Currently however, the Targeted Facilities are sanitary landfills in
City, hotels and institutions leaving out residential areas. [6] Since residential areas constitute a larger
part of the country’s population, they must be considered for any revolution in the entire national
MSW management system.

For instance for instance, Eastleigh area which has experienced population explosion and rapid
growth has been and will continue to be a growing center both in the size of its population and also
facilities e.g. market, restaurants, hostels. The rate of waste generation has consequently increased,
with the nature of its composition also changing day by day. The ever increasing portion of non-
biodegradable waste like polythene bags has made the current disposal pattern totally undesirable.
The hallmarks of degrading scenery due to among other things, haphazardly thrown refuse are enough
prompt for a better sustainable waste management system. Furthermore solutions like solid waste
recycling can only be achieved after thorough .analysis and investigation into the current waste
systems including waste generations in the area.

1.3 Problem statement

Solid wastes in Eastleigh are a by-product of a broad spectrum of industrial, service and
manufacturing processes. Primary high-volume generators of industrial solid wastes include the
chemical, petroleum, metals, wood, paper, leather, textile and transportation industries. Secondary
smaller generators include auto and equipment repair shops, electroplaters, construction firms, dry
cleaners and pesticide applicators. Figure 1 shows the relative proportions in which various types of
 4

solid wastes are generated in Nairobi. Mismanagement of these wastes typically results in pollution
of the natural environment and may pose substantial danger to public health and welfare.

FIGURE 1
 5

With respect to manufacturing industries, the bulk of solid wastes are generated from:
- Pesticide repackaging, formulation and distribution
- Pharmaceuticals, where there are over 30 manufacturing companies.
- Plastics industry, where there are about 100 producing thermo setting, flimsy packaging.
- Soap, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Toiletry, Cement and Lime
- Ceramics, glass and petroleum
Industrial wastes constitute about 23 per cent of the total solid wastes generated in the city. The
collection and disposal of industrial waste in Nairobi is done by industries themselves. Though its
disposal is done at a Municipal dumpsite, the industries have the responsibility to collect and dispose
the waste at the designated dumping site.

Only about 25 per cent of the estimated 1,500 tons of solid waste generated daily in Nairobi gets
collected. Yet, until the mid-1970 the Nairobi City Council singly collected over 90 per cent of the
waste. In the mid-1980, the appalling NCC performance and demand for municipal solid waste
management services attracted private sector providers. It is now estimated that there are at least 60
private companies engaged in solid waste collection services in the city (JICA, 1998).

The extent and nature of the solid waste management problem can be summarized as follows. First,
the collection ratio, that is, the proportion of the solid waste generated that is collected, is low. As
mentioned, this is estimated to be as low as 25 per cent. Second, marked inequality in the
geographical service distribution characterizes the service. Broadly, the Western part of the city is
well serviced by the private firms and the NCC while the Eastern part is hardly serviced. High-income
and some middle-income residential areas together with commercial areas are well serviced by private
companies and even the NCC. Small private firms are increasingly servicing some of the relatively
better-off low-income areas. The core low-income areas (slums and other unplanned settlements)
where 55-60 per cent of Nairobi residents live, however, receive no waste collection service, save for
localized interventions by community-based organizations (CBOs).

The 1998 JICA study found 26 per cent of households in high-income areas, 16 per cent of those in
middle-income areas, 75 per cent of those in low-income areas, and 74 per cent of the surrounding
area do not receive any service. Not surprisingly, thus, residents in low-income areas are dissatisfied
with waste collection services, are aware of the health risks associated with the problem, and are
willing to pay for improved services in spite of their low incomes Third, there is widespread
indiscriminate dumping in illegal dumpsites and waste pickers litter the city with unusable waste
materials without control. Fourth, there is only one official dumpsite (NCC-owned and operated),
 6

which is full and located in a densely populated part of the city, a whole 7.5km from the central
business district along a road with heavy traffic. Moreover,

waste pickers and dealers ‘control’ this dumpsite, forcing the NCC and private companies to ‘bribe’ to
4
access the dump. Fifth and related to fourth above, the city has no transfer facilities.

As a result of these disposal problems, almost all enterprises tend to use uncontrolled and unhygienic
landfills as the predominant mode of disposal. To cut costs, many generators of solid wastes have now
taken to combustion at the site, which causes air pollution problems. The bulk of these wastes contain
plastics, which when burnt generate carcinogenic vinyl chloride monomers and dioxins. The
generators and private waste collection firms, again to avoid costs, dump in illegal places since an
effective monitoring system lacks.
A survey conducted on the residents around the dumping site during the JICA study (1998) revealed
that there are serious complaints about smoke, smell, and broken glasses. Respiratory and stomach
problems among children are common in the nearby clinics and were cited by the people interviewed.
School children passing through the dumpsite often picked objects, which were dangerous to their
health.

Sixth, solid wastes in the city are not segregated, with the exception of unstructured reuse of some
waste materials at the household level. The private sector waste collectors, in addition, do not process
waste in any way, which affects effective and efficient SWM. Consequently, the Dandora dumpsite is
littered with all types of wastes from hospital wastes, manufacturing/industry wastes, paper and
biodegradable materials.

1.4 Objectives
1. To evaluate the solid waste problems in Eastleigh Area , examining the existing Solid Waste
Management (SWM) systems in the area such as storage , collection and disposal of wastes
while focusing on selected locations in the area.

2. To suggest ways of improving the performance of the Nairobi City Council in solid waste
management , and also improving the condition of the landfill available in Eastleigh area

3. To explore possibilities of participation of the private sector in the solid waste management in
Eastleigh area.

4. To evaluate the efficiency of the existing methods of storage , collection, disposal of wastes
and legal framework of solid waste management systems in Eastleigh area
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Sustainable solid waste management systems is important in providing effective service that satisfy
the needs of the end user. Some of the elements of sustainable solid waste management are:

 Treatment and effective disposal of waste

 Constitution of solid waste

 Functional elements of a waste management system

 Laws, by-laws and acts of parliament that deal with Solid waste Management.

 Mitigating solid waste generation

1.5 Research hypothesis

Given current technology and disposal patterns, solid waste disposal is and will remain a necessary
and important component of environmental management. We will need sustainable disposal systems
for the foreseeable future for those wastes which cannot be reduced, reused, or recycled.

1.6 Limitations of the research

Though its methodology can be applicable to other regions, the study will cover the region specified
considering a few important details as dictated by the available time and finance. Furthermore the
study shall apply probabilistic methods in selecting the subjects and thus may be prone to some error.
Thus the study shall seek to be as precise as possible but for accuracy, more detailed study is
recommended.
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CHAPTER 2

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 DEFINITION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT (SWM)

Any substance that is discarded is designated as a waste resulting from industrial, commercial, mining
and agricultural operations and from community activities but doesn’t include solids or dissolved
materials in domestic sewerage .

Its defined as those wastes which have been rejected for further use and which can neither be
transported by wastes nor can readily escape into the atmosphere.

The type of solid waste defined is the waste generated in private households, office buildings and
commercial and service establishments.

Semi-solid wastes such as sludge and night soil are considered to be the responsibility of liquid waste
management . Hazardous industrial and medical wastes are by definition , not components of solid
wastes in focus, they are normally quite difficult to separate from solid wastes

Solid waste systems should therefore include special measures from preventing hazardous materials
from entering the waste stream and to the extent that this cannot be ensured alleviating the serious
consequence that arise when they do.

Debris from construction and demolition constitute a difficult categories of wastes which also require
separate management procedures (schubeler 1996)

The main aim of the solid waste management is to protect the health of the population , promote
environmental quality and develop sustainability .

The solid wastes produced within a City boundary or urban center is called City Solid Waste
(MSW).Being a result of human activities , solid wastes give Cityities a difficult task of making
suitable arrangements for the waste handling.

2.2 MATERIALS FLOW IN SOCIETY

According to Rimer et al, 1981, it has been observed that we do not merely consume materials but
rather, we use them and then finally return them, mostly in different state to the environment.
Materials originate from three main sources: Raw materials from the face of the earth and used to
 9

manufacture products; Scrap materials produced in the manufacturing operation; and materials
recovered after the products have been used.

The industrial operations are not efficient therefore, producing some waste that must be managed
well. The output of the processed are sold to consumers, who in turn either dispose of the materials
after use or collect the material for use in energy generation or recycle it back to the industrial sector,
or reuse the material without remanufacture

This is a closed system with only one input and output, like a mass flow model, at a steady state ,
materials injected into the environment must be equal to materials disposed back into the environment
. materials disposed back into the environment can generally be referred to as solid wastes

2.3 DIFFICULT WASTES

These are wastes that require additional consideration by the waste manager to determine how best to
handle them during disposal. They include

 Abandoned vehicles

 Tires and other low-density wastes

 Animal remains

 Bulk items

 Asbestos

2.4 Threat of Poor Solid Waste Management

The generation of solid waste in Eastleigh is on the increase, as a result of rising population and high
rates of resource consumption, among other reasons. The composition of solid waste has witnessed
three key trends:
(i) increase in shear volume of waste generated by its residents;
(ii) change in the quality or make-up of waste generated as a reflection of the changing
lifestyles;
(iii)the disposal method of waste collected by, incineration or use of organic waste for urban
agricultural purposes. While this is expected, the handling capacity of the council has been exceeded.
The shear and poor management manifests itself in large volumes of waste being dumped illegally in
areas that have been reserved for roads and other services (Plate 1). The legal framework that is
supposed to provide guidance on solid waste management, the Nairobi County council (Solid Waste
Management) By-laws 2008, are held captive by inadequate capacity of the council.
 10

Plate 1: Illegal dumping ground blocking part of a road

Source: UN-HABITAT, 2006

Eastleigh section three dump site

Source: UN-HABITAT, 2006

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2.5 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOLID WASTES

These are the characteristics that provide a waste manager in a city with the information about the
composition of the waste generated in selecting the most appropriate option for disposal. The main
characteristics of interest for a complete picture of solid waste are:

2.5.1 Chemical properties of solid waste

Chemical composition of the components that constitute solid waste is important in evaluating
processes such as incineration and recovery options. The feasibility of combustion depends on the
chemical composition of solid wastes. The most important chemical properties of solid wastes are:

A) Proximity analysis

B) Fusing Point of Ash

C) Ultimate Analysis

2.5.2 Biological properties of Solid Waste

The most important biological characteristics of the organic faction of solid waste are that all organic
components can be converted biologically to gases and relatively inert organic and inorganic solids.
The production of odors and the generation of flies are also related to the putrescible nature of the
organic material found in solid waste (e.g. food wastes)
 12

FIGURE 2

Source: U.S EPA December 2010 .

2.6 The functional elements of City Solid Waste:

2.6.1 Waste generation

This include all solids or semisolid materials that are no longer having sufficient value to retain by the
possessor. Success of solid waste management depend on the appropriate assessment of quantity of
waste generated. Tchobanoglous et al. (1977) have showed a simplified flow diagram for the solid
wastes. Wastes are generated at the start of the process beginning with the process of Raw materials.
Then onwards at each and every step of processing wastes may be released.

The total MSW production in Nairobi was projected as follows:

Shops and restaurants 94 t/day
Houses 1285 t/day
Markets 82 t/day
Road sweepings 69 t/day
The oil industry estimates that 27,000 tonnes of oil waste are produced from motor vehicles. About
6,000 tonnes is recycled and more is used as fuel.
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2.6.1.1 Waste composition

Table 2.1 The same study estimated the composition of MSW as follows:
Material Average High income Low income
Food 51.5% 50% 57%
Paper 17.3% 17% 16%
Textiles 2.7% 3% 2%
Plastic 11.8% 14% 12%
Grass/wood 6.7% 8% 2%
Leather 0.9% 1% 1%
Rubber 1.5% 1% 2%
Glass 2.3% 2% 2%
Cans 1.7% 2% 1%
Other metal 0.9% 1% 0%
Other 2.7% 7% 4%
Source: CNTR 98 5698 Low Cost Solid Waste Incinerator: Demand Survey and Country Selection
Report

What is notable is that most beverages are sold in returnable bottles, which accounts for the low
proportion of glass and cans. The use of cans is stated to be on the increase. It is notable that the
difference in composition between high and low income is not very great. From observation,
however, it appears that in many MSW samples, the proportion of dust and fines is substantially
greater than shown in the above analysis, which should therefore be treated with caution.
 14

FIGURE 3 MATERIALS FLOW AND THE GENERATION OF SOLID WASTES IN A

TECHNOLOGICAL STUDY

Raw Material Residual Waste

Manufacturing Residual Waste

Processing and Recovery Secondary

Manufacturing

Consumer

Final Disposal

Legend

Raw material, product and recovered material

Waste Material

Source: George Tchobanoglous,

We can reduce the amount of solid wastes by minimizing the consumption of raw materials and
increasing the rate of recovery and reuse. Although this concept is simple , implementing such
changes in the society is extremely difficult unless appropriate management solutions are provided.
Forecasting waste quantities are also difficult and are similar to waste composition.
 15

The typical composition of solid wastes Is shown in the table below.

1. Important constituents are paper and decomposable organic matter.

2. Metal glass, ceramics, textile, dust, dirt, and wood are generally present and their relative
proposition Depend on the local factor.

3. Average proportion of constituents reaching the disposal sites is consistent. Urban wastes are
fairly constant in their composition although subject to long-term changes such as variations.

Table2.2 Typical composition City solid wastes in India

Components Mass % Moisture Density Kg/m Range Typical

range % typical Range typical

Food wastes 6-26 14 50-80 70 120-480 290

Paper 15-45 34 4-10 6 30-130 86

Cardboard 3-15 7 4-8 5 30-80 50

Plastics 2-8 5 1-4 2 30-130 65

Textiles 0-4 2 6-15 10 30-100 65

Rubber 0-1 0.5 1-4 2 90-260 130

Leather 0-2 0.5 8-12 10 90-260 160

Garden

Trimmings 0-20 12 30-80 60 60-225 105

Wood 1-4 2 15-40 20 120-320 240

Misc.Org Sub 0-5 2 10-60 25 90-360 240

Glass 4-16 8 1-4 2 160-480 195

Tin cans 2-8 6 2-4 3 45-160 90

Non ferrous 0-1 1 2-4 3 60-240 160

metal
1-4 2 2-6 3 120-1200 320
 16

Ferrous metal 0-10 4 6-12 8 320-960 480

Dirt ash bricks

Source : Ramachandra, 2003

2.6.2 Waste handling and separation, storage and processing at the source
Waste handling and separation involves the activities associated with management of waste until they
are placed in storage container for collection. Handling also encompasses the movement of loaded
containers to the point of collection. Separation of waste components is an important step in the
handling and storage of solid waste at the source.

2.6.3 Collection
The functional element of collection includes not only the gathering of solid waste and recyclable
materials, but also the transport of these materials, after collection, to the location where the collection
vehicle is emptied. This location may be a materials’ processing facility, a transfer station or a landfill
disposal site.

2.6.3.1 Waste collection systems

A collection system is “defined as a combination of technology and human labour, especially:
• The Collection method
• The Container system
• Vehicles and
• Personnel” [12]
2.2.5. Solid waste storage.
This is a step where by households store the waste prior to collection. This step prevent offending
aesthetic tastes , attraction of vectors and excessive odor. Storage devices shall be convenient and
facilitate safe, efficient collection , processing and disposal.

2.6.3.2 Storage equipment

There are variety of storage equipment available today. This include:
1. Containers
They should be made preferably by durable metal or plastic with covers tightly fitting They should
have pick-up handles strong enough to avoid any breakage that can result into injury to the collector
 17

or the use . They should be stored on flat bases or raised above the ground to reduce corrosion and
spilling of the metal containers.

2. Drop bags
These are large storage bins and useful for serving rural , industrial and demolition sites. They cost
less per unit of solid wastes than bags, bins or cans
Other storage devices include backyard solid waste shelters , which require emptying by collection
crew using hand tools.
One other method is the underground pit storage containers. This method has a drawback in that
collection will be difficult.

2.6.4 Separation and processing and transformation of solid wastes

The types of means and facilities that are now used for the recovery of waste materials that have been
separated at the source include curbside collection, drop off and buy back centers. The separation and
processing of wastes that have been separated at the source and the separation of commingled wastes
usually occur at a materials recovery facility, transfer stations, combustion facilities and disposal sites.

2.6.4.1 Transfer and transport

This element involves two steps:

1) the transfer of wastes from the smaller collection vehicle to the larger transport equipment

2) the subsequent transport of the wastes, usually over long distances, to a processing or
disposal site.

2.6.5 Disposal
Today the disposal of wastes by landfilling or land spreading is the ultimate fate of all solid wastes,
whether they are residential wastes collected and transported directly to a landfill site, residual
materials from materials recovery facilities (MRFs), residue from the combustion of solid waste,
compost or other substances from various solid waste processing facilities. A modern sanitary land is
not a dump; it is an engineered facility used for disposing of solid wastes on land without creating
nuisances or hazards to public health or safety, such as the breeding of rats and insects and the
contamination of ground water.

The MSW management costs at the local level are determined by a number of factors, including the
geographical location of the City, its population, economic, social and cultural characteristics, as well
as the waste quantity and composition, the structure and efficiency of the collection and transportation
 18

systems, the treatment and final disposal methods, etc. (Kreith 1994;Panagiotakopoulos,
2002;Tchobanoglous et al., 1993). [2]

2.7 Solid Waste as a Socio-Economic Opportunity

These problems, however, also provide a window of opportunity for people to find innovative and
inclusive participatory solutions - involving the community and the private sector; innovative
technologies and disposal methods; behavior changes and raising awareness. Traditionally, the City
council has emphasised collection and disposal of waste rather than on an integrated SWM approach
that creates room for income and the much-needed employment opportunities. However, due to lack
of service provision, a number of private groups have taken up the challenge to rid Eastleigh of the
unsightly scenes that are the heaps of garbage. Their involvement is captured in four major roles:
(i) gap-fillers in response to demand;
(ii) pioneers through innovative technologies and solutions;
(iii) sub-concessionaires through availing materials for some industries
(iv) managers and initiators of viable small-scale solutions.
These groups have started to engage in viable options for generating increased income mainly at
household level that include waste recycling, marketing recycled products, composting and energy
generation.
Unfortunately, these ‘informal’ private sector participators are weary of competition, individualistic in
their operations, difficult to upscale and have taken long before formal recognition by the council
system. Further, their involvement in the decision-making process is not structured yet they are
subject to the consequences of decisions made by the council.

2.8 The Detour in Solid Waste Management

The requisite conditions for the tackling of the above challenges is the understanding of local
conditions, full range of technological options available and factoring on of the traditional wisdom
and systems that the local people have developed over time in handling waste. This is fundamental to
availing a system that will become viable and sustainable. Several technical and commercial feasible
options present themselves for exploration. These options would call upon the engagement of labour-
intensive and decentralized strategies to map out ways of managing the solid waste. As revealed in the
survey, the dumpsite receives a mixture of solid waste, some that are harmful and difficult to
decompose, for instance hospital waste and e-waste. These wastes needs to be separated and sorted
out at source of generation. At the moment, this is not being done in Eastleigh.
An integrated approach, as shown in Figure 4, needs to be explored.
 19

FIGURE 4

Source: UNEP 2006

2.8.1 Waste Recovery/Reclamation

The survey showed that Eastleigh in the past had concentrated its efforts primarily on the disposal
part of waste management. Though some efforts are being directed towards encouraging recovery of
these resources, evidence from the survey show that these efforts are not bearing much fruits,
especially in the low-income residences. If recovery is to succeed, practices such as burning have to
be minimised. In addition, waste separation at source has to be practiced. Evidence from developed
countries, where this is done, show that the success of waste recovery must begin at source of
generation through proper separation of wastes. For instance, Germany has developed a culture of
waste separation at source (Areba, 2010). Eastleigh needs to follow suit and inculcate this culture to
its residents, initially through regulation but in the long-term, through mass education.

2.8.2 Waste Recycling

The waste produced in Eastleigh has some materials that can be successfully recycled. Approximately
60 to 65% of the total generated waste being organic, enormous recycling opportunities exist for farm
use. Incidentally, the benefits of recycling do not lie solely in diversion of waste away from disposal –
the filling of dumpsites unnecessarily - but, even more importantly, in the reduction of the amount of
new materials that need to be harvested and processed for the manufacture of new products. Given
that there is potential and possible demand, recycling and resource recovery offers good scope for
employment generation, and potentially has both positive economic and environmental impacts. One
such opportunity is scavenging. As observed, scavenging has become a common phenomenon at the
dumpsites in Eastleigh. Though the scavengers working in unsanitary conditions earn a living through
trade in reclaimed, recyclable waste, they put their health at risk. These activities are driven by
 20

poverty and a desire to earn a living. The reclaimed materials usually undergo intermediate processes
like washing, drying and sorting. This is rudimentary and little value-addition is done. The products
end up having a low cost and their market being mainly among the low income population. However,
their contribution in reducing waste, although low, cannot be ignored. This effort needs to be up-
scaled and the scavenging made safer for the persons involved. Despite the clear existence of a market
that accepts these activities, exploitation by middlemen has left the scavengers reeling in a cycle of
unending poverty. Secondly, this activity has also been blamed for child labour, earning it a bad
reputation. Thirdly, prices are exploitative. Finally, the role of the scavengers and their contributions
are not recognised at all at policy level.

2.8.3 Waste Processing

Solid waste processing was observed to be done at small-scale, evidenced by activities like product
reuse - rethreading tyres, recovery of demolition materials, re-use of plastic bags, second-hand
clothing, reconditioning and repair of furniture and appliances in the s. Value-addition from these
activities is minimal. Between 60 % and 65 % of the waste that is biodegradable needs to be pre-
treated before discarding at the dumpsite. This pre-treatment will turn fermenting, rotting and foul-
smelling residues into substances resembling soil. When this pre-treated residue is disposed off to
dumpsites, it will no longer be harmful to the environment and public health. This is critical in
protecting the land for future reclamation and the groundwater resources that are critical for wells and
springs. Pre-treatment further reduces methane gas that would have been released into the atmosphere
as a green gas. When successfully done, waste processing comes with benefits including more
effective use of resources, employment opportunities in the service and repair industries and a change
in attitudes towards disposable products and the campaign of keeping the environment green. What is
needed is the recognition and incentives within the policy framework.
 21

FIGURE 5

2.8.4 Waste Minimisation

The huge waste heaps observed scattered in the s if Eastleigh should be reduced or eliminated
altogether. One means of doing this is through avoidance of waste generation. This will require more
producers’ (sources’) responsibility. Much of the waste observed, for instance, plastic bags could be
re-used hence minimising their production. This would maximise the efficiency of available resource
use without investing in new technologies. Minimising waste generation has the potential to reduce
costs and the amount of waste to be disposed. It seems residents do not realise or are oblivious of the
advantages of buying items in bulk, purchasing products in materials/packaging that is readily reused,
use existing packaging materials as opposed to the urge for new ones, lengthening usage life of
products to minimise the frequency of replacement and use of alternatives to disposal, e.g.
vermiculture practices.

2.8.5 Re-thinking
The shortcomings observed in the whole process of SWM in Eastleigh require an overhaul. This will
require an update of all areas of concern from socio-cultural attitude changes, economic value-
addition of products produced, up-scaling of technologies to policy changes . For this to be successful,
integration of adaptive strategies concepts that emphasise the development of sustainable livelihood
and environmental systems by adapting to and building of opportunities inherent in the communities
 22

that live in Eastleigh has to be incorporated in all the new changes to be implemented. The activities
observed and sentiments made by the resident clearly attest to the fact that the public is concerned
with perception and economics as much as technical issues. Therefore, for solid waste to succeed, the
process has to be all inclusive. The potential of implementing the above suggestions will be enormous
for the City council by:
i. Making an economic break through from turning waste into high-value products that
will be marketable.
ii. Creating employment.
iii. Recovering of energy and other energy-releasing materials from waste that could provide a saving
on fossil fuels such a s paraffin, gas and charcoal which are in common use in Eastleigh. In a city in
which human population is growing faster than available physical resources, we can no longer afford
to consider any material a waste.

2.9 Factors affecting Waste generation Rates

a) Mode of Reuse

Currently many products are reused at home without much thought given to ethical consideration.
These products may have value for more than one purpose. i.e newspapers are used to line shelves
and pack brittle objects like glass and sculptures. They are also used in packing of food stuffs like like
meat. But unfortunately , none of these secondary uses have much economical impact on the total
quantities of raw materials used by the society. (Rimer, 1981)

b) Source reduction

Waste reduction may occur through the design , manufacture and packaging of products with
minimum toxic content, minimum volume of material, and /or longer useful life. Waste reduction can
occur in households , commercial or industrial facility through selective buying patterns and the re-
use of products and materials.

Currently discarded packaging materials constitute about 30% of the waste generated in industrialized
countries , and 60% of these materials are associated with the sale of food and beverages
(Economopoulos, 1993)

Recent legislations in some high income countries include the incentives for lighter packaging ,
reused packaging , standardization of packaging materials so as to facilitate their recovery and
recycling , and prohibition of “unfriendly” packaging materials that may create problems during
packaging and /disposal. (Economopoulos ,1993)
 23

c) Materials recovery

Many of the components of City solids wastes can be recovered and recycled for subsequent use ,
the most important being paper, steel, aluminum ,and glass.

2.10 Health and injury hazards of solid waste treatments

Because solid waste may contain any solid materials found in nature and in addition many of the man-
made materials, they constitute the most heterogeneous collection of substances possible. Laws and
ordinances may prohibit certain materials from being put into the solid-waste streams, but these
regulations are no guarantee that occasionally prohibited substances might not appear in the stream.
Industrial wastes from any one location usually display a lesser degree of heterogeneity than that if
domestic refuse.

The scale of the potential dangers in solid wastes , previously regarded as a comparatively innocuous
although unaesthetic form of pollution has only recently been realized , and consequently data are
extremely scanty.

2.11 Use of economic instruments

“From the overview presented in Chapter 2, only a few economic instruments are used in Kenya’s
current waste management practice, and even these are not used effectively. The instruments that have
been used in a limited manner include user charges, financial instruments (fees, licenses), fiscal
instruments, import duty waivers, deposit refund system, and property rights including institutional
reforms.

Flaws with the application of the instruments in the country include low rates devoid of incentive and
that do not change in tandem with the cost of service or the damage caused by wastes, use of uniform
or flat rates, and tipping charges based on loads rather than weight and blind to the differences in how
dangerous wastes are. The low use and poor design of economic instruments in the country’s solid
waste management sector represents a missed opportunity considering the huge potential of these
instruments.” [13]

2.12 Explaining poor performance

The poor SWM performance in Nairobi is attributable to many factors. Expansion of urban,
agricultural and industrial activities has generated vast amounts of solid and liquid wastes that pollute
 24

the environment and destroy resources. Pollution problems are mainly due to lack of appropriate
planning, inadequate political will and governance, poor technology, weak enforcement of existing
legislation, as well as the absence of economic and fiscal incentives to promote good practice, and
lack of analytical data concerning volumes and compositions of waste substances is also lacking.
Some of these factors are briefly discussed below.

2.12.1 Weaknesses in NCC

Administration of Nairobi is chaotic, with the NCC and the Central Government (particularly the
Ministry of Local Government and the Provincial Administration in the Office of the President) often
clashing, duplicating roles, and causing confusion.

Moreover, policymakers (NCC councillors) are generally poorly educated and lack any power to
discipline NCC workers. The mayor, who is elected by the councillors, must facilitate their corrupt
deals to keep the seat. Consequently, mismanagement, corruption, laziness, and general chaos have
become the hallmarks of the NCC. NCC by-laws, prohibiting illegal disposal of waste, specifying
storage and collection responsibilities for SW generators, and indicating the Council’s right to collect
SWM charges are not adequately implemented. The Central Government has also failed to play its
oversight role effectively.
This dysfunctional local administrative system has led to decline in the efficiency of NCC operations,
unprecedented deterioration of physical infrastructure, lack of such critical facilities as transfer
facilities, widespread indiscriminate waste dumping, lack of system-wide co-ordination and regulation
of actors, absence of strong and effective partnerships between the NCC and other SWM actors, lack
of policy and support for waste re-use and recycling, urban agriculture, and community involvement
in SWM, and prevalence of casual littering due to lack of public education and non-enforcement of
NCC bylaws (Ikiara et al., 2004).

2.12.2 Rapid population growth and urbanization

Nairobi, like other developing world cities, is characterized by rapid population growth and
urbanization. The city has a population of about 3 million people who are generating substantial
amounts of solid waste. In addition, the city is surrounded by 4 satellite towns that are also fast
growing and do not have waste disposal facilities. The Nairobi City Council budgets enormous
amount of funds on recurrent and development expenditures on solid waste management but the
problem still persists.
 25

2.12.3 Lack of SWM policy and framework

Solid waste management problems in Nairobi are largely a result of lack of a waste management
policy and framework that would aim at improving the standards, efficiency and coverage of waste
from “Cradle-to-Grave”. Before enactment of Environmental Management and Coordination Act
(1999), local authorities (LAs) had monopoly control over sanitation and solid waste management
services in Kenya, largely under the Local Government Act (CAP 265) and Public Health Act (CAP
242).7 The former empowers LAs to establish and maintain MSW management services while the
latter requires them to provide the services. The Acts, however, neither set standards for the service
nor require waste reduction or recycling. In addition, the Acts do not classify waste into City,
industrial and hazardous types or allocate responsibility over each type.

The community and CBOs play only a small role in SWM because they are not integrated into the
formal system. Policies on community-based SWM service, in addition, have been lacking although
the situation is changing. Current policy, for instance, emphasizes development of environmental
partnerships with stakeholders, including promotion of environmental NGOs and CBOs (Republic of
Kenya, 2000).

Considerable progress has been made with respect to the policy and legal/regulatory framework for
SWM over the last few years, however. Thus, EMCA (1999) allocates considerable property rights as
far as various aspects of environmental management are concerned. The most important of these is the
right to clean environment allocated to the citizens. The citizens can now compel polluters, including
indiscriminate solid waste dumpers, to pay for the damage or nuisance caused. In reality, however, the
cost of litigation (both in term of finances and time) makes it difficult for most of the citizens to
exercise this right.

Other important rights are those allocated to NEMA, for example, with respect to licensing (through
lead agencies such as local authorities) of waste disposal facilities. Institutional weaknesses in NEMA
and the lead agencies also affect the effectiveness with which this right has been exercised. [13]

2.12.4 Un-regulated private sector participation

In general, the private companies are operating in open competition purely on a willing-buyer-willing-
seller basis. They simply obtain a business license and start offering SW collection services, without
vetting or regulation.8 For most of them, service commences once a client completes (often name and
address only) and signs a form prepared by them, which then becomes the only “contract”. The forms
specify the monthly charge, the frequency of the collection service, and the storage facilities to be
supplied by the company. Because of increasing competition and cases of unsatisfactory service,
moreover, some of the firms include (in the form) a promise to refund money for unsatisfactory
 26

service. Some of the “contracts”, especially those involving small companies, are usually verbal. They
are also short term. The “contracts” have no provision for sanctions and there is no legal framework
for the companies to deal with payment defaulters or for clients to secure legal redress when service
quality is unsatisfactory. The wronged party simply walks out of the relationship. Some of the private
companies, however, retaliate for non-payment.9 There are no by-laws specifying the rights and
obligations of the companies and their clients, or specifying the standards that must be observed.
Encouragingly, the Nairobi City Council has developed a policy document that will provide for the
involvement of private sector investors in solid waste management when it is implemented.10 [13]

2.12.5 Low rate of waste recovery and recycling

Recycling, including of products such as papers, tyres, plastics, used clothes, and metals, is becoming
increasingly popular. A kilogram of old newspapers sells for between Kshs.15 to Kshs.27 while old
tyres go for Kshs.50-300 depending on the degree of tear and wear, and size. Organic wastes are also
increasingly being recycled to produce compost products. For example, community-based
organizations (CBOs) managed by women are recycling market waste from Korogocho Market to
produce organic manure for sale.

The percentage of solid waste that is recovered from the City point of view is only 8 per cent of the
recyclable and 5 per cent of the compostable, however. There is recovery going on in the industries
but the rate is unknown. Composting by groups has potential but the groups are facing a number of
constraints, the most important of which is procurement of land to conduct the business. Another
problem is lack of a stable market for the recovered materials, especially for wastepaper and compost.
Thus, for example, the self-help activities of the Mukuru project earned Kshs 1.55 million in 1996
from the recovery of 1,018 tons of materials per year. This income was not sufficient for the project’s
60 members and for financing investments required to improve efficiency. A survey was conducted as
part of this study at the Dandora dumpsite where scavengers recover recyclable materials from City
solid waste. The scavengers were found to be recovering more than 30 different types of materials,
with the major ones being ferrous metals (aluminum and copper). While there is considerable
potential in recycling, there is a problem of recyclables being contaminated with un-recyclable wastes.
In addition, there is no policy on recycling in the country, which has led to the practice of some
recycling companies importing waste materials and to the exploitation of waste pickers by middlemen
and recycling firms. Industry operators encourage the setting up of recycling schemes (such as for
aluminium cans, bottles, and polythene materials) to improve environmental conditions while also
generating incomes to the poor. [13]
 27

2.12.6 Focus on plastic shopping bags

In Nairobi and indeed all other urban centers in Kenya, plastic bags of all sizes and colors are found
dotting the landscape. Besides this visual pollution, plastic bag wastes contribute to the blockage of
drains, are consumed by livestock at great danger, and take many years to degrade. Furthermore,
Wangari Maathai, the assistant environment minister in Kenya and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner,
has linked plastic bag litter with malaria. The bags, when discarded, can fill with rain water offering
ideal and new breeding grounds for the malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
It is the magnitude of this problem and the attention it is receiving in the country that motivated its
choice as a pilot project. Top politicians, members of parliament, environmental lobbyists, and
ordinary people have complained about the problem from time to time. Additionally, there is
international experience on the use of environmental policy packages to manage this problem, which
can inform intervention in Nairobi

2.13 Overview of the problem

Plastic has revolutionalized the carrier bags industry around the world. Bags made from plastic are not
only durable, versatile and convenient, but also inexpensive, easily available and easy to store and
transport on account of their thinness and lightness. Alternatives such as boxes and paper bags cannot
handle liquids as well as plastic bags do. Simply put, plastic bags are popular with consumers because
they are functional, lightweight, strong, inexpensive and hygienic. In addition, the environmental
impact of plastic bags in landfills is low due to their inert (or un-reactive) nature. In fact, plastic bags
may have some benefits to landfills such as stabilizing qualities, leachate minimization, and
minimization of greenhouse gas emissions (EPHC, 2002). However, the very problem with plastic
bag waste emanates from some of their advantages.

First, because they are cheap there is excessive consumption and a tendency for misuse. In Australia,
for example, an individual uses one new bag per day on average because they are free. While it is free
to the customer, however, a plastic shopping bag costs the retail facility in that country about one cent
(wholesale price), with a real average cost per household $ 10-15 per year (EPHC, 2002). Second,
most of the plastic bags produced are too thin and fragile to be re-used. This characteristic of plastic
bags lends them to inadvertent littering, which has become a serious problem in urban centres the
world over.

Littering of plastic bags is associated with numerous environmental problems: First, it causes visual
pollution that affects such sectors as tourism. Second, plastic wastes block gutters and drains creating
serious storm water problems. Bangladesh, for instance, imposed a ban on plastic bags in March 2002
following flooding caused by blockage of drains (EPHC, 2002). Third, plastic wastes that find their
way into the sea and other water bodies kill aquatic wildlife when the animals ingest the plastics
 28

mistaking them for food. Fourth, consumption of plastic bags by livestock can lead to death. Fifth,
plastics take 20 to 1000 years to break down.

Thus, even though supermarkets and other market outlets give “free” plastic bags to customers, in
reality they are not free. The real costs of the bags include production, consumption and disposal
costs. Production costs include (i) dependency on petroleum and often natural gas for the production
of plastic bags, and thus, dependency on non-renewable resources and in many cases foreign
suppliers; (ii) destruction of fragile habitats and ecosystems in the process of prospecting and drilling
for petroleum and natural gas; (iii) pollution from the toxic chemicals required for the production of
plastic bags; and (iv) the energy consumed in the production and transportation of the bags, which not
only depletes resources but also generates global warming emissions. Consumption costs are the costs
passed on to consumers by retailers and other market outlets. [13]

2.14 Status of the problem in Kenya

As elsewhere in the world, the problem of overuse, misuse and indiscriminate and inadvertent littering
of plastic bags is serious in Nairobi. Because the plastic bags are either free or inexpensive there is
widespread use and because most bags are thin and highly fragile, re-use is minimal. According to
discussions with one of the leading supermarket chains in Kenya, approximately 8 million bags are
given out by the supermarkets alone every month and two times as much in the informal sector in
Kenya.11a By 2007, over two million plastic bags were being handed out every year in Nairobi alone.
Once released in the environment, they choke wildlife, pollute the soil, and serve as breeding grounds
for mosquitoes.

In the footsteps of several other African countries, as of 1 January 2008, Kenya imposed a national
ban on the importation and distribution of plastic bags less than 30 microns in thickness (NEMA
2008).11b However, this has had little impact.

Many street children and other informal sector operators are found in markets and outside
supermarkets selling the plastic bags at very low prices, ranging from Kshs 5 to 20 depending on size.
There are also ‘designer’ plastic bags, mainly used to pack customer shopping in supermarkets and
other wholesale and retail shops. While these are given to shoppers free, the cost of plastic bags is
becoming a concern to the supermarkets for whom the cost for an average sized ‘designer’ bag costs
about Kshs 3 a piece. [13]
 29

2.15 Landfilling as a component of an integrated solid waste management system

Landfilling is the controlled disposal on or in the earth’s mantle and it includes monitoring of the
incoming waste stream, placement and compaction of the waste and installation of environmental
monitoring and control facilities. [5] **

Landfills are used for the disposal of solid waste that is not reused, recycled or combusted for energy
recovery.

2.15.1 What is a Landfill?

Most of the waste in Africa is disposed of in environmentally unsound open or controlled dumps.
Even using the best waste minimization practices at all stages, some non-recoverable waste will
remain, making landfills necessary. The ultimate goal for land disposal should be:
 separate disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials; and
 construction of clean and properly sited landfills with diligent management, including
leachate and methane controls, during operation and after closure

When these conditions are met, the landfill becomes a sanitary landfill. It is recommended that the
transition from open or controlled dumps to sanitary landfills be made incrementally. The following
steps are suggested:

2.15.2 The open dump

The open dump is a hazard because of its potential for producing leachate, becoming a rodent and
insect breeding ground, and its general health dangers. Even though the open dump is now illegal and
[1]
those landfills that do not comply with sanitary standards are supposed to be closed , the image
many people have of waste management is the image of the open dump. This is one misperception of
waste management as it relates to landfills that encourage a groundswell of opposition whenever a
landfill is to be sited. [4]

If open dumps are currently being used, initial upgrades can be made with little capital investment and
minimal ongoing costs:

1. Construct perimeter drains to catch runoff and leachate.

2. Minimize leaching through soil by and repeating periodically (every two months is often sufficient
compacting and grading. This causes rainwater run off into perimeter drains instead of soaking in.
Manual labor or heavy equipment may be used (renting heavy equipment is often the least expensive
option).
3. Protect the health of waste pickers and landfill staff by providing soap, water and hygiene training.
 30

4. Regularly test groundwater for contaminants, including bacteria, heavy metals, and toxic organic
chemicals.
5. Conduct a formal environmental assessment of the current site before making further upgrades. If it
is environmentally sound and has adequate additional capacity, it can be converted directly to a
controlled dump. Otherwise, an appropriate alternative site for a controlled dump or sanitary landfill
must be located.
6. Engage the public in decision-making. Public involvement in upgrades, siting decisions, and
subsequent planning is essential. Otherwise, strong opposition that delays or halts the project may
develop.

2.15.3 Controlled dumps.

To transform an open dump into a controlled dump:

1. Fence in the active face of the landfill and hire staff to monitor and control dumping.
2. Track how much waste is delivered.
3. Compact waste before or after dumping.
4. Schedule monitoring of methane gas production, landfill composition, and surface water and
groundwater conditions.
5. Develop closure and post-closure plans.
6. Seal and cover the dump in stages as its capacity to receive waste is exhausted.
7. Maintain scheduled monitoring until sampling indicates it is no longer necessary—possibly 30
years or more.

2.16 Collection Costs

Any waste management organization is mandated to charge service fees to recover its costs of
operation (UNEP. International Environmental Technology Centre and HIID, 1996). In any solid
waste management system, up to 85 percent (the national average is closer to 80 percent) of costs
related to waste management are in collection and hauling. It is very expensive to provide trucks that
go from house to house or from building to building. Collection costs are also labor intensive.
Whether the collection system is public or private, these high costs for collection are paid. In some
situations, collection systems can be publicly funded or subsidized. In others, households or
businesses pay monthly fees for collection and sometimes pay surcharges for more waste than is
permitted on their route. [4]
 31

2.16.1 Hauling Costs

A significant cost is for hauling. In one national study, it was found that it cost at least 50 cents per
mile per ton of garbage to haul collected wastes. In Cities and counties without landfills, waste must
be hauled further away. Given the costs per ton for hauling wastes, not only the higher tipping fee that
would be found in an out-of-district (currently multi-county waste district) landfill, but the added cost
for additional mileage on hauling make a landfill nearby more attractive. [4]

2.17 Transfer Stations

Transfer stations may be an important component of an integrated solid waste management system. In
a transfer station, wastes are brought to a regional center where they are processed. This processing is
usually shredding or compaction, but in some examples, includes composting or recycling facilities at
the transfer site. After the waste is processed, the waste that needs to be landfilled is transferred to a
larger bed truck (which is less expensive on over-the- road travel than is the compactor vehicle) for
delivery to a landfill. Transfer stations are waste management facilities and as such are difficult to site
but often pay off greatly in reduced hauling costs. [4]

2.18 Private versus Public Ownership/Management

There are many arguments for and against, who should own and manage a landfill: public or private
entities. Every situation is somewhat unique, and therefore there is no prescription as to what is better,
whether public or private ownership, and what is better management, public or private. The pros for
public ownership and management focus around control and integration factors. The pros for private
ownership and management center on flexibility, efficiency and potential returns to citizens. In a
discussion of landfills, it is good to explore positive and negative issues regarding ownership and
management of all types. [4]

2.19 Future of Land Disposal

Given current technology and waste generation, landfills are and will remain a necessary component
of an integrated solid waste management system. Landfills are ultimate disposal. Once the waste is
put in the fill, it remains there indefinitely. Although mining is considered a possibility for future
recovery of recyclable or reclaimable materials, current technology still identifies the landfill as an
ultimate disposal site. Given that the landfill is a necessary component of an integrated solid waste
management system, the need for landfills will not abate, but given reduction, reuse, recycling,
composting, and incineration alternatives, the need will lessen. [4]

2.19.1 Recycling
Recycling of solid wastes is an option that many Cities have explored in recent years. It not only
facilitates disposal but conserves energy, cuts pollution, and preserves natural resources. To make
 32

cans from recovered aluminum, for example, requires 10% of the energy needed to make them from
virgin ore. At the same time ore is saved, and the pollution resulting from mining and processing are
avoided. Making steel bars from scrap requires 74% less energy and 50% less water, while reducing
air-polluting emissions by 85% and mining wastes by 95%.

Similarly, sludge from treated sewage can be used for fertilizer, but it has been less costly to dump it
at sea or on open land. Dumped sludge has killed marine life and threatened beaches along the Eastern
seaboard; elsewhere in the United States it is a growing nuisance. Between 1975 and 1985 the amount
of sludge dumped in U.S. coastal waters increased by 60%; the effects of dumping and illegal
dumping are still felt despite the fact that it has been illegal since the beginning of 1992. Recycling
and composting take care of approximately 2.7% of City Solid Waste. [8]

2.20 Wastes Requiring Special Attention

Certain wastes merit special handling and disposal because of their dangers or volume. The best
option is to minimize or eliminate the generation of these wastes by encouraging users to apply
cleaner production approaches and substitute materials or change processes (see “Environmental
Guidelines for Activities with Micro- and Small Enterprises” in this volume). Those that are generated
should be collected and disposed of separately from one another and away from the rest of the solid
waste stream.

2.20.1 Hazardous waste.

Wastes pose a wide range of risks. They may be chronically and acutely toxic, cause cancer, trigger
birth defects, explode, corrode many materials, and cut, puncture, crush, burn and infect people and
animals. Hazardous wastes endanger many different classes of people, placing waste producers,
collectors, landfill workers, waste pickers, and nearby residents at risk. The leachate from a landfill
may be dangerous as well; its level of toxicity is directly related to the quantity and toxicity of
hazardous materials mixed in with other solid waste.
Management of hazardous wastes needs urgent attention in Africa. The variety and classes of
materials and sources—from households to industrial and medical facilities—makes this particularly
challenging.

Action is constrained by limited financial resources to deal with these problems and ignorance or
unwillingness to acknowledge the risks.

Sound management of hazardous materials includes four elements: waste reduction, segregation, safe
handling, and disposal. The best solution is to not generate this waste in the first place. When this is
not possible, every effort should be made to minimize generation, and generated wastes should be
handled cautiously to reduce risks. Producers of hazardous waste should segregate different types of
 33

materials to make recycling easier and prevent chemical reactions or explosions. Suggested best
practices for accomplishing these goals in the developing world include:
 Providing technical assistance and training to educate decision-makers, system operators,
and the public. These efforts should strengthen stakeholders’ capacity to identify cost-
effective waste reduction measures, and to help design and to put in place practical hazardous
waste management plans. (See the Cleaner Production approach described in the “Small and
Micro Enterprises” section of these guidelines.)

 Establish incentives, disincentives, or regulations to promote waste reduction where it is

not otherwise cost-effective.

 Establish dedicated hazardous waste recycling and disposal facilities. Few countries in
Africa operate hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities. Thus, much of the hazardous
waste generated continues to be disposed of in dumps and landfills without any provisions
for segregation, containment or treatment.

 Develop systems to ensure that waste is not illegally dumped. One model that provides
checks on illegal dumping is the hazardous waste manifest system in the United States, where
a “paper trail” (a sequence of required documents) is generated to prove that the material
reached its intended final destination.
 Explore options for contracting private sector firms that specialize in the handling and
disposal of hazardous wastes.

2.20.2 Medical waste

. Wastes from health posts, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities pose serious and urgent
problems in the Africa region. (A detailed discussion of impacts and appropriate mitigating measures
can be found in the “Healthcare Waste: Generation, Handling, Treatment and Disposal” section of this
volume.)
These wastes can contain highly infectious organisms, sharp objects, hazardous pharmaceuticals and
chemicals, and even radioactive materials. Since the various forms of healthcare waste require
different types of treatment, they should be segregated at the source. General waste should be
segregated from hazardous material to reduce volume: sharps should be placed in puncture-proof
containers, infectious waste separated for sterilization, and hazardous chemicals and pharmaceuticals
segregated into separate bins.
 34

Unfortunately, all of the available disposal options are imperfect. The most immediate threat comes
from highly infectious waste. On-site treatment is generally preferred to reduce the risk of disease
transmission to waste handlers, waste pickers and others. Suggested mitigation measures include:

In rural areas, burn infectious waste in a single-chamber incinerator, if possible. This kills >99 percent
of the organisms and is the best option for minimal facilities.

• In urban areas, burning is not advisable, as the fly ash, toxic gases and acidic gases pose a much
greater health threat in more densely populated urban environments than in rural areas. Thus larger
facilities should autoclave infectious waste. While high-temperature incineration is theoretically the
best option in urban environments, in practice the equipment is rarely operated properly and disposal
is highly polluting.

• In some large cities, off-site wet thermal, microwave or chemical treatment options may be
available.

• The least expensive option is land disposal. If waste is to be disposed of in a dump or landfill, it
should be packaged to minimize exposure, placed in a hollow dug below the working face of the
landfill, and immediately covered with 2 m of mature landfill waste. Alternatively, it may be placed in
a 2 m deep pit


2.21 SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW

Very little study has been done on MSW management in Kenya. The few papers that have been
published are mainly based in Nairobi which is too small to represent the actual status quo. This thus
proves the essence of more studies to be undertaken in the other regions of the country in order to
gather adequate information for planning and for policy formulation.

From the publications that were reviewed in this study it can be concluded that there has been poor
performance on MSW management in Kenya. Even the status of capital city is below standard. This
poor performance can be explained vividly by:

I. Weaknesses in Local authorities / County Councils - e.g. for NCC, lack of system-wide
co-ordination and regulation of actors, absence of strong and effective partnerships
between the NCC and other SWM actors, lack of policy and support for waste re-use and
recycling, urban agriculture, and community involvement in SWM, and prevalence of
 35

casual littering due to lack of public education and non-enforcement of NCC bylaws
(Ikiara et al., 2004).

II. Rapid population growth and urbanization

III. Lack of SWM policy and framework

IV. Un-regulated private sector participation- i.e. operating in open competition purely on a
willing-buyer-willing-seller basis without legal framework for quality services.

V. Low rate of waste recovery and recycling

VI. Lack of organized information system, for quality data that enables planning.

Defeating these challenges remains the big question for all government planners and the entire
public.
 36

CHAPTER 3

3.0 METHODOLOGY

This is concerned mainly on the methods employed in data collection of the necessary information
regarding solid waste management in Eastleigh area

3.1 Primary Data

This method involves the collection of first hand information from the residents in the study area. This
information forms the basis for the analysis and subsequent inferences made to achieve the objective
of the study. Some of the primary data collection techniques include:

3.1.1 Observation during site visits

This required a physical visit to the area of study. The main objectives of this techniques include:

a) To carry out reconnaissance survey of the study area to establish boundary conditions
,familiarity with the area and assessment of the required resources and work.

b) To assess physical conditions of the infrastructure under investigation mainly involving

studying the element under investigation which included the collection point ,dumping sites,
residential areas, market places etc.

3.1.2 Sampling
Because its difficult to study all households and businesses Due to limited resources sampling
technique has been applied. Two important variables in designing a sample are sample size and
methods of characterizing refuse. An 85 kg sample is sufficient for the samples. An 85 sample was
selected by dumping the content of a truck and quartering the contents until one sample is almost 85
kg

3.1.2.1 Limitations
1. Not all items can readily categorized into the desired components. i.e. a tin can with an
aluminum top and paper wrapper has four components: steel, tin , aluminum and paper.

3.1.3 Photogrammetry
This means photographing a representative portion of refuse and analyzing the images. The means of
photo shooting shall be directly at the refuse with wide lens and an electronic flash to eliminate
shadows.
 37

The photograph was divided into 10 mm x 10 mm grids . the components in each grid were identified
and tabulated. (Rimer, 1981)

3.1.3.1 Advantages
1. Refuse need not be touched or smelled

3.1.3.2 Dsiadvantages
1. Time required to analyze one photograph is enormous
2. Applicable only to household wastes
3. Accuracy is dependent on bulk density that must be fine tuned

3.1.4 Questionnaires
These are set of questions designed in a simple and clear manner and distributed to the target people.
The questionnaires are made simple , clear and short in order to boost the response level of the
residents and get accurate information.
The questionnaires were administered in two methods:
a) Self administered – this is where the researcher had them delivered to the target group and
asked them to complete the questionnaires themselves
b) The researcher administered the questionnaires to the respondent . this was done when the
respondent found it difficult to understand the question due to language barrier, this case was
common in the Somali community where my research was based.

3.2 Secondary data collection

The method used in the project to collect secondary data included:
I. Desk review of relevant national and international publications and records
II. Textbooks from the library
III. Lecture notes
ALL these data collection methods were chosen based on critical examination of their suitability for
the study given the limitations and the circumstances under which the study was undertaken. For
instance questionnaires were chosen because they are familiar to most people, are easy to analyze,
reduce bias, less intrusive than telephone or face-to-face surveys and are more cost effective as the
number of research questions increases
 38

CHAPTER 4
4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Composition of Waste

The composition of waste was determined using photogrammetry method whereby photos of the
waste sample taken were analyzed

A grid of the photographs used in the analysis can be referred to from the appendix

TABLE 4.1 : Composition of solid waste in Eastleigh based on photogrammetry

Grid on Number Percentage

Plastic 124 50.61
Food 73 29.80
Garden Wastes 5 2.04
Paper 43 17.55
Rubber 0 0
Total 245 100.00

Figure 6 composting of wastes in Eastleigh 6th and 7th street

 39

NO Respondents %
1 What type of wastes do u produce
A) Paper 17 85%
C) Organic or Vegetables 17 85%
B) Plastic and Rubber 17 85%
D) Glass and ceramic 2 10%
2 Do you have a waste/ recycling container that

is provided by another entity (private)

A)Yes 11 55%
B) No 9 45%
3 If you do not have a waste and recycling collection service,
how do you dispose of your household refuse?
A) Burning 6 30%
B) Recycling 0 0%
C) Dumping 16 80%
D) Composting 0 0%
4 Are there ways/measures you try to reduce the amount of solid
waste- Home/ Work place/School
A) Yes 4 20%
B) No 16 80%
5 What current solid waste services would you
like the municipality to improve upon?
A) Provision of waste container to households 17 85%
B) Provision of waste containers to specific locations 17 85%
C) Timely collection of waste 19 95%
D) Sensitization campaigns 18 90%
E) Employ more workers 5 25%
6 Do you believe illegal dumping in your neighborhood or at specific
locations is problematic? Health/environmental/ ethical
A) Yes 19 95%
B) No 1 5%
 40

7 Do you agree that the municipality has done enough to raise

public awareness on waste management?
A) Yes 3 15%
B) No 17 85%

8 How do you rate your refuse collection service?

A) Very good 0 0%
B) Good 2 10%
D) Poor 8 40%
C) Fair 10 50%

9 Do you recycle your waste?

A) Yes 2 10%
B) No 18 90%

FIGURE 7 TYPES OF WASTES PRODUCED

 41

FIGURE 8
 42

CHAPTER 5

5.0 DISCUSSION

5.1 WASTE GENERATION AND COMPOSITION

The main solid wastes in Eastleigh are generated in residential areas, the market area, supermarkets
and hotels. From physical inspection and questionnaires to residents in the area, the general situation
is as follows:

5.1.1 Residential areas

From the composition results , the main wastes generated is plastics. However, the sampling method
used does not allow mixing of the samples. One could not determine the waste that was below the
plastics.

Hence, this tends to give errors , for this reason , questionnaires were used and it was noted from the
respondents that 85% of the wastes generated were organic wastes.

Solid wastes generation and socio-economic levels have direct relationships as illustrated in the graph
below.

From the graph solid waste generated per capita per household can be calculated as a function of
waste generated and the number of people in the area. The waste generated is directly proportional to
number of people

FIGURE 9.
 43

From the graph it can be concluded that :

 Solid waste generation is directly proportional to the number of people in a household.

 The slope of the graph represents the per capita unit waste generated in a week.
 The production of solid waste varies with population density. Eastleigh being an area of high
population, waste generation is also very high.

5.1.2 supermarkets
They generate commingled solid waste as they sell all types of products. Most of the products in
supermarkets are packaged in plastic bags for the consumers making plastic the main waste generated
by super markets. Paper and plastic waste is also generated from the packaging of incoming
merchandise.

5.1.3 hotels
Eastleigh is home to a lot of hotels , this hotels mainly produce organic wastes. they also generate
some proportion of plastic waste .

5.2 STORAGE OF SOLID WASTES

With lack of waste storage methods in the area, residents, businesses and enterprises have to
improvise their own methods of solid waste storage awaiting collection and disposal. Through
physical inspection and interviews shows that the city council doesn’t have any method of waste
storage and has not initiated any public awareness campaign on hazards of poor solid waste storage to
the public health and safety.
 44

Waste being disposed on the road in Eastleigh first avenue.

The residents dump their waste in open places awaiting collection by city council or private
companies.

This has really painted the area to be one of the dirtiest places in Nairobi. The illegal dumps in this
area pose a big problem since the light plastic bags that have been dumped are easily blown away by
the wind into residential houses.

5.3 COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID WASTES

In Eastleigh major solid waste collection is done by private cleaning companies. The city council has
workers in the area but they not effective in dealing with the huge waste generated in the area.
Currently the focus in Eastleigh is shifted toward infrastructure development e.g Roads. This has
result in neglect on solid waste management. Solid wastes in commonly dumped onto nearby open
sites , along main roads or into drains.

5.3.1 STAKEHOLDERS IN SOLID WASTE COLLECTION

Solid waste in Eastleigh is collected by both the Nairobi city council and private collectors. The
council collects waste mainly because of its responsibility according to the local Government Act.
They collect solid waste dumped along first avenue by business premises and the market adjacent to
the road.
 45

5.3.1.1 commercial collectors

These are private companies that provide waste collection and transport services.one such company is
Kaah Investments. These companies are licensed by the county government to collect garbage
residents at a fee. The company charges ksh 8,000 per month for hotel owners and ksh 300 for private
residents.

5.3.1.2 Collection and Transportation Operation

The private trucks operate three days per week from 8am to 5 pm since they collect waste from many
streets using only one truck. This frequency is not desirable because it takes 2 to 3 days for fly larvae
to mature in warm climates, thus daily waste collection would be considered desirable . This will be
eventually prevent the waste from accumulating and reduce the gross odor in the area.

5.3.1.3 number of vehicles and equipments

We have focused on one of the private companies called KAAH investment that is very active in solid
waste collection in Eastleigh. The company owns three trucks and two wheel loaders to serve the area.
These limited resources makes the company face challenges in collecting garbage.

5.3.2 health and safety of waste collection

The council has not constructed effective and safe collection points or provided waste receptacles in
residential and commercial areas. As result , residents dump waste at places convenient to them thus
littering the areas. this is seen mainly in highly populated areas. The council workers mostly do not
have safety gloves and masks to prevent them from contacting diseases.

The waste collection crews both in city council and private companies do not strictly adhere to the
conditions as stipulated in the waste management regulations 2006. For instance:

 Workers do not have protective clothing such as gloves, helmets, clear glasses, gumboots
and dust masks.
 The workers were not provided with identity cards with their names and photographs
 The vehicles were not fit and proper for the assigned work as they were open truck hence
some wastes spill over while being transported to dandora dump site.
 46

5.4 ULTIMATE DISPOSAL

Section 11 of the General provisions of the Environmental management and coordination Regulations,
2006, requires persons dealing with waste to apply to the relevant provisions in the regulations as well
as provisions in the

Provisions on waste treatment under the local government Act so as to assume that waste does not
present any danger to public health, the environment and natural resources. The regulations state that
waste shall be disposed of only in permitted disposal areas or at approved disposal facilities. The
Regulations further state that it shall be the duty of the council to provide places at which to deposit
waste before its transferred to its final disposal places.

5.4.1 The Dandora Municipal Waste Dumping Site

The Dandora Municipal waste dumping Site, located to the East of Nairobi, is the main dumping site
for most of the solid waste from Nairobi area. The site is about 8 kilometers away from the city center
and occupies about 30 acres of land. Surrounding the dump are the Kariobangi North and Korogocho
informal
settlements and the residential estates of Dandora and Babadogo. Over 2,000 tonnes of waste
generated and collected from various locations in Nairobi and its environs are deposited on a daily
basis into the dumpsite and what initially was to be refilling of an old quarry has given rise to a big
mountain of garbage. Dumping at the site is unrestricted and industrial, agricultural, domestic and
medical wastes
(including used syringes) are seen strewn all over the dumping site. The Nairobi River also passes
beside the dumpsite. Some of the waste from the dump ends up into the River thus extending
environmental and health risks to the communities living within the vicinity as well as those living
downstream who could be using the water for domestic and agricultural purposes like irrigation.

All solid wastes in Eastleigh are disposed in dandora dump site, which has faced a lot of
environmental criticism , the site is overwhelmed by wastes, hence the city council shall look for
other alternative damp site to back up this existing site.
 47

FIGURE 11

Heavy metal concentrations in the study’s soil samples and soil standards

Source: study by Njoroge G. Kimani in cooperation with United Nations Environment

Programme and the St. John Catholic Church, Korogocho

5.4.2 alternative methods of waste disposal

Many residents in Eastleigh are not familiar with the city council’s system of waste collection and
disposal. For this reason , they opt to dispose the wastes in their own methods. From inspection,
questionnaire , and interviews it was discovered that many of the residents bun combustible wastes
such as plastics, yard wastes and papers. Some of the residents burn the rubbish in the open air
without any pollution control measures. This is dangerous as the uncontrolled fire can easily spread.
Sometimes unlicensed private collectors collect the wastes from the residents at a cheaper charges,
they do their collection at night and dispose it on the streets. With no effective coordination between
the police and the city council, apprehending these illegal companies is almost impossible. This
illegal dumpsites are breeding grounds for vermin and also produce bad odour due to the
decomposition of the organic wastes. The dump sites also block the grains along the road and is a
problem especially during rainy seasons.
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50
51
52
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CHAPTER 6

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 CONCLUSIONS
From the findings of the study, we have arrived to the conclusion that the systems and the methods
employed by the Nairobi City Council to manage Solid Waste in Eastleigh area have not helped to
control/contain its disposal. The system has not conformed to the minimum requirement of
Environmental Management and Cordination Act (EMCA) 1999 Part II Section 3 (1) and has not been
operated economically, efficiently and effectively. This has as a result hindered efforts by the Council
in recent years to enhance cleanliness in the area. Waste prevention remains weak, generation is high
and collection and transportation in many parts of Eastleigh remain irregular. The practices on
disposal of waste are also wanting as the area’s designated dumpsite at Dandora has developed into an
environmental and public health hazard. Several illegal dumpsites have also sprung up in the area.
Efforts of the City Council to contain the situation have not been effective because of the failure by
the Council to adopt a clear and comprehensive strategy that takes in to account all aspects of the
waste management cycle and also failure by the Council to involve all the stakeholders in its efforts to
make Eastleigh a clean and healthy place to live in.

6.1.1 STORAGE OF SOLID WASTES

The council doesn’t provide safe receptacles for storage of wastes in the area in accordance with the
by-laws of the council and EMCA 2009
Residents store their wastes in open dumps awaiting collection by local private contractors . Some of
the open dumps are situated at the roadside which is an eyesore in the area.

6.1.2 COLLECTION OF WASTES

The overall collection of the solid waste in the area is very poor . the frequency of collection is
irregular and not as by the approved standard.
In the recent years the residents have to rely fully on private garbage collection companies to collect
the garbage. These companies have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the solid waste produced
in the area.
Lack of good infrastructure such as roads in the area has inhibited collection of wastes in the area by
manual or mechanical means such as hand carts and waste collection .
Poor planning in Eastleigh has made it very difficult for easy maneuver because of traffic jam , this
has caused great hindrance to effective waste collection.
 55

6.1.3 DISPOSAL OF WASTES

The disposal of wastes by open dumps is not effective, this is indicated by the mushrooming of illegal
dumps in the area.
Most residents are not aware of alternative solid waste management systems like composting. Some
residents burn their waste to reduce the volume of waste. Although the gases produces are pollutants,
this method rids the area of solid waste heaps for a period of time before the waste accumulates again.

6.1.4 LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Residents and business owners do not put into practice solid waste management laws . The EMCA
2009 is not fully effective in Eastleigh area as can be seen from the waste accumulation and illegal
dumping in the area. The by-law focuses mainly on the collection stage and ignores generation and
the final disposal
The by-laws focus mainly on solid waste collection and thus other areas of solid waste management
are ignored like disposal and waste generation. Without comprehensive legal framework ,solid waste
management practices cannot be fully effective.
The enforcement of the solid waste laws, acts and by-laws by the police and council officials through
prosecution of offenders is not being carried out efficiently . This hampers efforts on promoting good
solid waste management practices to the residents and business owners in the area
 56

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.2.1 Intergrated Solid waste management

Nairobi City Council shall adopt integrated solid solid waste management (ISWM) which means
planning process used to optimize waste management practices. This process consists of five key
steps.

 Establish waste management goals and objectives

 Identify alternatives that may achieve that goal
 Conduct a detailed analysis and comparison of the alternatives
 Select appropriate programs
 Implement selected programs

This practice was successfully applied in many developed and developing countries such as Brazil,
India, Australia and many other countries.

The council should assist the communities interested in cooperative approaches to ISWM planning.

6.2.2 Waste collection

The council shall invest heavily on home waste collection containers .the waste collection system
shall be up to date so that inconveniences arising from breakage is minimized. This would improve
the efficiency and frequency of waste collection. Trucks shall be used to collect the waste from the
homes to the final disposal point.

The city council has been for many years blamed on marginalization technique towards the people of
Eastleigh , so the council shall ensure equality and fairness to all.

The county government shall also be more sensitive toward refuse collection and therefore have a
higher capital budget to buy lorries and containers and to support recurrent expenditure such as
drivers and machine operators , considering collection of waste accounts for about 80% solid waste

6.2.3 Public awareness

From the survey and verbal interview it was discovered that most people do not have the basic solid
waste management skills , this has caused a lot of negligence from the public. The city council shall
launch an education and communication campaign informing the residents of the importance of solid
waste management to the public health and also environment. This can be done by distributing
pamphlets in a language that the residents are versed with. This pamphlet shall highlight basic solid
waste management skills and the advantages of an effective solid waste management system.

Forums is also another method of educating the public on solid waste.

 57

Billboards should also be erected strategically to sensitize the public on the negative effect of littering
on the environment and should also campaign on a clean waste free environment.

6.2.4 composting
Composting of organic wastes generated from households and recreational facilities like bars and
restaurants should be encouraged and incentives to be provided towards these efforts.

6.2.5 waste recovery ,re-use and recycling

Create and activate formal structures for its engagement with community groups and other
stakeholders in waste management and specifically those who recycle and re-use waste .

Provide incentives to communities ,groups and other organizations involved in recycling and re-use of
waste like that practiced by soda companies such as Coca-Cola.

6.2.6 legislation and enforcement

revise its waste management By-laws to include provisions on waste
prevention

The council should deploy some of its staff or hire more staff to enforce council by-laws on waste
management in residential and commercial areas. The council shall also work together with the police
and county administration to ensure that those who flout the laws and council by-laws regarding solid
waste are apprehended..
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CHAPTER 7
7.0 REFERENCES
[1] Republic of Kenya, Kenya Gazette supplement No 69, (Legislative supplement No. 37), Legal Notice
No. 121 “Environmental Management And Co-Ordination (Waste Management) Regulations 2006”
pp. 6-8

1 1 2
[2] Katia Lasaridi , Margarita Kehagioglou , Dimitris Komilis and Antonis Rovolis1, “City Solid Waste
Costs: A Comparative Analysis Of Local Authority Policies In Attica”

1. Department of Geography, Harokopio University, 70 El. Venizelou, 176 71, Athens, Greece

2. Department of Environmental Engineering, Dimokritio University of Thrace, Greece (Tel +30 210
9549164, fax: +30 210 9514759, E-mail: klasaridi@hua.gr)

[3] Republic of Kenya, The “Kenya Vision 2030”-final report-October 2007 (Page xii par 2)

[4] Joe E. Heimlich; “Landfill (CDFS-111)” "http://ohioline.osu.edu/lines/facts.html" c/o

Ohioline.ag.ohio-state.edu, Ohio State University Fact Sheet Community Development (700 Ackerman
Road, Suite 235, Columbus, OH 43202-1578) (Cited 11th September 2009)

[5] Tchobanoglous, G. Et al.: Integrated solid waste management – Engineering principles and
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 59

1. WASTE, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 23, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany E-mail address:
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 60

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APPENDICES
 62

Appendix A: ADDITIONAL LITERATURE

Trash and garbage wash down the Nairobi River polluting the water here and downstream [16]

The Nairobi River also receives improperly treated effluents from the Dandora Sewage Treatment Plant and
several drainage channels that gather storm water from Nairobi City. Domestic garbage from informal
settlements that have no public waste collection services also finds itself into the river as does sewage from pit
latrines and other on-site sewerage-disposal methods. Sanitation facilities are very basic in many informal
settlements, consisting of earth drains, communal water points, pit latrines shared by many people, and no
systematic solid-waste disposal.
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Scene from Eastleigh dump site near moi air base

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 The current generation rate of garbage in Nairobi is over 2000 tons per day and waste that finds its way
to the final destination is disposed off at the Dandora dumpsite in an environmentally unsustainable
manner.
 UNEP commissioned a study of the Dandora dumpsite in 2006 and the findings suggest that there are
severe public health and environmental impacts due to the site. The study shows that the dumpsite is a
serious threat to children living nearby and the city's environment in general.
 During the study, 328 children and youth aged between 2-18 years living around the waste dump were
examined. The study also compared soil samples from the site with another location just outside of
Nairobi.
 Half of the children tested had concentrations of lead in their blood exceeding internationally accepted
levels while 42 percent of soil samples recorded lead levels almost 10 times higher than what is
considered unpolluted soil (over 400 parts per million (ppm) as compared to 50 ppm).
 During the launch of the report in October 2007, UNEP’s Executive Director pledged his support
towards tackling this problem and advised that, "clear urgent action is needed to reduce the health and
environmental hazards so that children and adults can go about their daily lives without fear of being
poisoned and without damage to nearby river systems."
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 Similar results were obtained in the recent study by the same organization published on ‘The People’
in 4-12-2009, copy included.
 UN Habitat has estimated the doubling of cities in developing countries every ten years including the
Sub-Saharan Africa region that has one of the highest urbanization growth rates of any region in the
world. Population in Nairobi is thus expected to increase substantially over the next ten years hence the
necessity for CCN to put in place systems for adequate service delivery is waste management, health,
education and transport. [18]
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Waste in Nairobi comes from a variety of household, service, and industrial processes in the following proportions:
domestic sources: 68 per cent; industrial: 14 per cent; roads: 8 per cent; hospitals: 2 per cent; markets: 1 per cent; and 7 per
cent from other sources (NEMA 2003). Food waste, plastic, and paper are the most dominant forms of solid waste in Nairobi
(Figure 9 above). One of the most ubiquitous forms of visible waste is the plastic bag. By 2007, over two million plastic bags
were being handed out every year in Nairobi alone. Once released in the environment, they choke wildlife, pollute the soil,
and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In the footsteps of several other African countries, as of 1 January 2008,
Kenya imposed a national ban on the importation and distribution of plastic bags less than 30 microns in thickness (NEMA
2008).[16]

[16] Giese, Charles Situma et al ‘Kenya Atlas Chapter5’ p.156 ©2009 c/o UNEP
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Appendix B: QUESTIONNAIRES
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Appendix C: MAP OF EASTLEIGH AREA

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Appendix D: PROJECT PICTORIALS

Waste being collected by private KAAH investment Workers on job busy cleaning
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