Society and the practise of solid waste management towards sustainable community: The case of female households in Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia

Population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have contributed tremendously to the generating of municipal solid waste by the society. Solid waste problem is one of the main problems faced by communities, especially in urban areas. High cost for solid waste management from the point of collection, the transporting of waste to the point of disposal and finally the disposal, has been one of the most important factors that is crucial in the solid waste management hierarchy. This very high cost triggers the need for waste to be reduced in the most effective and efficient ways so that it can reduce the government’s allocation and budget in the waste management. This cost factor is the source of the driving force for waste management systems to run well. However, the cost to society is not comparable with the waste management costs. The local government’s constrains to improve services to the community are due to limited capital, labourers, operations, vehicles and other equipments. Paying more for the cost of managing the solid waste and recycling programme will reduce the overall bulk of solid waste to their designated areas. It is also believed that, if the cost to society is high, the amount of solid waste generated will also be reduced. From this viewpoint, the present study attempts to assess whether the above view is relevant to situation in Malaysia. The study also identifies the estimated willingness to pay (WTP) of people for better services. Data of the present study were gathered through a questionnaire survey among women in Bandar Baru Bangi. Results of analysis tended to show that the WTP relates to income received by the community. This article also outlines the factors that influence the generation of solid waste and solid waste management hierarchy. It is recommended that high-income households be charged a higher rate. Are the high-income groups willing to pay higher charges in solid waste management? Some policy implications will be addressed in this article.