Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices and their Impacts on Community and Environment in Nyanza district, Rwanda

Abstract: Solid waste management (SWM) remains a major environmental and public health challenge in Nyanza District, Rwanda. This study examined household solid waste management practices and their effects on environmental quality and community health in Busasamana and Rwabicuma sectors using a descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 392 households through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data from interviews and field observations were analyzed thematically. Findings indicated inadequate household waste management, with only 39% of households practicing waste segregation, 31% accessing regular waste collection services, and many relying on open dumping (34%) and open burning (26%). Poor waste disposal methods were strongly and significantly associated with soil pollution (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), water contamination (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), and air pollution (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). Conversely, waste segregation was significantly associated with reduced environmental pollution, showing negative correlations with soil pollution (r = −0.52, p < 0.01), water contamination (r = −0.48, p < 0.01), and air pollution (r = −0.50, p < 0.01). Comparative analysis revealed that Rwabicuma experienced greater environmental and health burdens than Busasamana, reporting higher levels of soil pollution (61% vs. 47%), air pollution (64% vs. 49%), and waste-related illnesses (49% vs. 34%). Qualitative findings attributed these challenges to inadequate waste management infrastructure, irregular collection services, weak enforcement of regulations, low public awareness, limited institutional support, high collection costs, and the absence of designated disposal sites. These conditions contributed to widespread open dumping and burning, mosquito infestation, foul odors, respiratory illnesses, and contamination of nearby water sources. The study concludes that ineffective household solid waste management significantly contributes to environmental degradation and adverse community health outcomes. It recommends strengthening waste management infrastructure, enforcing waste regulations, promoting household waste segregation, and investing in recycling and composting initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability and public health. Keywords: Solid Waste, Management Practices, Community, Environment, Nyanza district. Title: Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices and their Impacts on Community and Environment in Nyanza district, Rwanda Author: Reverien BIMENYIMANA, Prof. Isaac Olajide AREO, Jean de Dieu MUNEZERO, Valentine NIRERE International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 3, July 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 71-81 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 03-August-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21772415 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/assessment-of-solid-waste-management-practices-and-their-impacts-on-community-and-environment-in-nyanza-district-rwanda