Global Journal of Human Social Science, H: Interdisciplinary, Volume 23 Issue 5

Unveiling the Impact of Solid Waste Management on Health and Poverty Alleviation in Dhaka City Nahid Aktar © 2023 Global Journals Volume XXIII Issue V Version I Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2023 ( ) H 27 Author: Development Studies and Urbanisation, London South Bank University. e-mail: snahidaktar@gmail.com Abstract- Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, faces significant challenges in solid waste management. This study aims to unlock the transformative power of proper solid waste management (SWM) in improving the health and economic well-being of disadvantaged urban residents in the city. While previous literature has focused primarily on waste collection, disposal and recycling, this study explores waste management as a powerful catalyst for poverty alleviation, unlocking the untapped potential for transformative change. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, expert interviews and a systematic literature review, the study identifies sources of pollution and factors affecting slum dwellers' health and human development indicators. It classifies conditions affecting the health-based vitality of slum dwellers. The paper highlights the potential of sustainable waste management practices to improve health outcomes, reduce disease incidence, and alleviate poverty. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to prioritize comprehensive waste management initiatives and promote community awareness and participation to address these issues. Overall, the research underscores the significance of SWM in fostering sustainable development, enhancing economic growth, and improving the quality of life for all residents of Dhaka. Further research is necessary to unlock the full potential of innovative waste management systems, ensure equitable contribution to the country's economy, improve quality of life and comprehensively understand their economic benefits in terms of long-term poverty alleviation and scalability. Keywords: urbanisation, slum population, solid waste, health hazard, poverty alleviation, human development. I. I ntroduction angladesh has experienced numerous obstacles since its independence, with one of the most pressing issues still unresolved being solid waste management. Dhaka has a population of 22.4 million as of 2022 living in 360 km2 area, making it one of the most populous cities in the world (Dhaka, Bangladesh Metro Area Population 1950-2023, n.d.-b) 1 . Its urban population is expanding at a quicker rate of 3.4% annually than the entire population, which is growing at a high rate of 1.4%. It is estimated that 40 million people will live here by 2040 (Prodhan and Kaeser, 2020). As a result of the rise in population and consumer goods, B solid waste production is increasing rapidly every year and the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) is struggling to keep pace with the growing waste management of the city. Due to colossal population growth and lack of awareness, the volume of waste generation is increasing indiscriminately in rapidly urbanised Bangladesh 2 . The waste generation in Dhaka city has witnessed a significant increase from 2013 to 2021. According to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (2013), only half of the estimated 1.65 million metric tons of solid waste generated in Dhaka city was collected for disposal annually. Looking ahead, it is projected that by 2021, Dhaka had to manage approximately 6,500 tonnes of waste per day (Islam, S. 2021). Moreover, the city's hospitals and clinics generate 200 metric tons of waste which contain radioactive materials, hazardous chemicals and pathogenic compounds (Yasmin and Rahman, 2017). This indicates a substantial increase compared to the earlier estimated waste generation in 2013. Furthermore, the waste generation is expected to further escalate to around 8,500 tonnes per day by 2032, highlighting a continuous upward trend in waste generation and management challenges in the city. This massive wave of uncollected garbage poses a significant threat to public health, contributes to environmental degradation and exacerbates poverty. Therefore, the impact of poor SWM extends beyond environmental crises, significantly affecting public health and exacerbating poverty levels in the city (WHO, 2012). Improper disposal of solid waste, including open dumping and burning, releases harmful toxins and pollutants into the air, soil, and water sources. These pollutants pose a significant risk to the health of residents, leading to respiratory diseases, skin infections, and other illnesses (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2002-2013). Furthermore, the oxidation of waste disposal sites provides breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors such as flies, mosquitoes and rats, which increase the incidence of communicable diseases in the community (Choudhury, S. 2010). The ill effects of inadequate solid waste management are more 2 McAllister, Jessica, "Factors Influencing Solid-Waste Management in the Developing World" (2015). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports. 528. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/528 1 The current metro area population of Dhaka in 2023 is 23,210,000, a 3.26% increase from 2022. Source: Dhaka, Bangladesh Metro Area Population 1950-2023. (n.d.). MacroTrends. https://www.macrotrends. net/cities/20119/dhaka/population