Solid Waste Management Practices and Community Awareness in Ward No. 1 of Dhupguri Municipality, Jalpaiguri
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53573/rhimrj.2023.v10n02.022Keywords:
Solid waste management, Dhupguri Municipality, household waste, community awareness, waste disposal, rural–urban fringe, West BengalAbstract
Solid waste mismanagement has emerged as a major environmental challenge in many developing regions due to rapid urbanization and changing consumption patterns. This study examines the existing solid waste management practices, waste types, disposal behaviour, and community awareness in Ward No. 1 of Dhupguri Municipality, West Bengal. Using primary household surveys (n = 40) and secondary datasets, the study identifies the predominance of organic household waste, widespread informal disposal methods, and lack of municipal waste collection services. The socio-economic background of residents reveals moderate educational attainment and a high dependence on agriculture and daily wage labour. While 65% of respondents acknowledge environmental effects of improper waste disposal, waste segregation and recycling practices remain limited. The findings emphasize the need for community-based interventions, municipal infrastructure development, and awareness programs for sustainable waste management.
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