Preliminary assessment of the current status of domestic solid waste management in Rach Cheo commune, Ca Mau province

Abstract

This study focuses on assessing the current status of generation, composition, and management practices of household solid waste in Rach Cheo commune, a rural area in Ca Mau province, to propose management solutions. The research methodology combined quantitative interviews with 30 households and direct waste sampling and analysis from 15 households over one week. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed a household solid waste generation rate of around 0.2 kg/capita/day in the study area, with food waste constituting the predominant component at 83.86 %. Other components included recyclable waste (8.77 %), residual waste (5.70 %), and hazardous waste (1.67 %). Despite local authorities' awareness-raising efforts, the rate of at-source waste separation among households remained limited at 43 %, and open burning was the most common disposal method (50 %) due to the absence of centralized collection services. This study provides scientific evidence to support measures to improve local household solid waste management. Key recommendations include enhancing community education, developing effective at-source separation models, and developing collection and treatment infrastructure tailored to rural conditions.