Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania

Waste management is a significant challenge in many developing countries, particularly in urban areas where solid waste management (SWM) remains one of the most costly urban services. Effective management requires community engagement. This study examined the factors influencing households' willingness to pay (WTP) for sustainable SWM and identified the challenges they face in managing solid waste in the Dodoma Urban district. Using a cross-sectional research design, a sample size of 156 respondents was obtained through a combination of probability and non-probability sampling methods. Non-probability sampling was used to select wards, while probability sampling was applied to choose participants from these wards. The analysis revealed that age, income level, awareness, employment status, and the amount of waste generated significantly influence WTP for SWM. Key challenges included inadequate dustbins and refuse dump sites, illegal dumping at unapproved sites, delays in waste collection, and the high cost of services. These challenges highlight the need for improvements in waste management infrastructure and services in Dodoma Urban district. To improve SWM in Dodoma Urban, the study recommends that the government enhance public awareness about sustainable SWM practices, provide income-raising incentives, and work with the private sector to establish more waste dump sites. These measures would help address the challenges and improve waste management efficiency in the district.