Assessing municipal solid waste generation, management practices, and health impacts: towards sustainable waste management and environmental protection

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in urban areas of developing nations poses significant challenges due to high waste generation. This study provided a comprehensive assessment of MSW generation, management practices, and their health impacts across nine districts in the Malakand division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, focusing on the composition and key components of MSW, such as plastic waste, household waste, and animal waste. A survey covering 4,431 households, 150 shops, 50 schools, and 30 hotels revealed notable district-level differences in waste composition and disposal methods. The results revealed that Upper Chitral generated the highest plastic waste, producing 420 kg/day of polythene bag waste and 270 kg/day of hard and soft plastic waste. Waste management varied across districts, with 95% of respondents in Buner selling plastic waste to collectors, compared to 93% in Malakand and 91% in Bajaur. Household waste was predominantly repurposed as animal feed, with Buner and Bajaur districts leading at 97% and 96%, respectively, while Shangla and Upper Chitral reported lower rates of 91% and 89%. Buner also recorded the highest animal waste generation at 575 kg/day. A correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between plastic waste production and its use for heating and construction. The study emphasized the need for improved waste management strategies, including comprehensive policies, training for waste workers, and enhanced community participation in waste reduction initiatives. The Upper Chitral district has the highest generation rate of hard and soft plastic (HSP) waste, producing 270 kg per day. The Upper Chitral generated the highest amount of household waste, totaling 265 kg per day. Women and elderly people were comparatively more vulnerable to the effects of poor waste management. Waste disposal workers faced health risks such as dog bites, low and high blood pressure, dehydration, and heatstroke due to air pollution and excessive sweating during warmer months.