Factors Influencing Willingness to Pay for Improved Solid Waste Collection Services Among Households in Urban Cities in Uganda: Empirical Evidence From Lira City

Abstract

In most Ugandan urban areas, including Lira City, waste management is still a major challenge. In addition to contributing to air, water, and soil pollution, uncollected waste also serves as a breeding ground for pests like rats and insects, degrades the environment, draws snakes and other pests, and poses serious health risks to people. Willingness to pay for solid waste services at household level is essential for enhancing management of garbage at the community level. As a result, this study aimed to assess the variables affecting household willingness to pay for solid waste collection and disposal in Lira City. To achieve the objectives of the study, a survey was conducted utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data from 585 randomly selected household heads and Key informant interview to elicit information from city environmental officers, city clerk, city division health inspectors, and managers of the private garbage collecting companies. STATA version 17 was used for data analysis. The households' solid waste management procedures and the level of resident readiness to pay for better garbage collection in Lira city were both assessed using descriptive analysis. Using a binary logistic model, the variables influencing household willingness to pay were examined. The research found that households willing to pay for better garbage collection services was 48.12% of the total household heads (585) and they were willing to pay on average UGX 3012/= (0.84$) per month for this services. Education level, occupation, distance to waste collection sites, and awareness of solid waste environmental concerns were all variables that significantly influenced the amount that households were prepared to pay. It was consequently recommended that citizens of Lira city be made aware of the significance of efficient solid waste management.