Solid Waste Management Knowledge, Attitude and Practices: A Case of Residents of Khuruthang under Punakha, Bhutan

Abstract

The study investigated the residents' knowledge, attitude, and practices of solid waste management in Khuruthang under Punakha. Solid waste is one of the pressing issues in the country. The rapid pace of economic development, coupled with uncontrolled urbanization and increasing population has made the collection and treatment of municipal solid waste a multidimensional problem. The generation of waste and difficulty in finding space for appropriately disposing solid waste is a grappling issue in almost all trban areas. This is worsened by the lack of sa ound institutional framework, inadequate budget  rovision, inadequate implementation of laws and regulations, and also insufficient information dissemination on waste and waste management. Adopting the pragmatist paradigm, this study collected quantitative data through questionnaires from 91 residents and interviews were conducted with 7 residents. There is good knowledge and positive attitude, and tawillingness to adopt good practices of solid waste management among the residents. However, there is concern over the lack of adequate facilities such as municipal trucks and proper landfill areas for waste disposal. There is also a need for making the residents aware of laws and policies on solid waste management so that they cater proper and adequate services to the people in being able to manage their wastes properly.