A Cross-Sectional Study About Household Solid Waste Management Practices Among Residents in Urban Slum Area of Mumbai

Introduction: Household solid waste management is a primary step to curb environmental pollution. Objective: To determine household solid waste management practices among residents in urban slum area in Mumbai. Method: A Cross-sectional study was conducted in a community field practice area. Two hundred participants were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: The study revealed 75.5% (151) of families used wastebins in households, 64.5% (129) used public bins for disposal of waste, and 66.5% (133) of households did not segregate the waste generated. Statistically significant association was found between education and waste management practices. Conclusions: This study showed that majority of waste generated was kitchen waste, and very small percentage of people segregated waste material, even though the appropriate method for waste disposal had been practiced. Measures must be taken to reduce generated waste and create awareness regarding proper waste disposal methods.