An ethical perspective on the effects of garbage disposal on environmental and human health: A case study of Livingstone City
Date
2016
Authors
Muleta, Timothy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The aim of the study was to critically evaluate garbage disposal and its effects on human
health and the natural environment in Livingstone city from an ethical perspective. The
objectives were: (i) to determine the garbage disposal activities being undertaken; (ii) to
establish the effects of garbage disposal on human health; (iii) to establish the effects of
garbage disposal on the natural environment; and (iv) to make an ethical evaluation of the
findings.
The research was a case study using qualitative methodology with an ethical
component. Observation, interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect
primary data. Two Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Secondary data were obtained
from relevant published and unpublished researches, clinical records, books, journals,
newspapers and the internet. Data were analysed thematically and by identifying common
patterns of behaviour. The theoretical framework involved the Land Ethic, the Precautionary
Principle and Environmental Virtue Ethics.
The findings relating to the first objective were: (a) the waste stream comprises both
organic and inorganic waste whose disposal is achieved mostly through the use of receptacles
(36.6%) like tins and sacks, refuse pits (20%), burning (16.7%) and illegal dumpsites
(16.7%); (b) 46.7% felt that the Council bears the responsibility of garbage collection and
disposal in Livingstone; (c) 100% felt that the regulatory framework is ineffective; (d) 90%
felt that awareness programs on garbage disposal are non-existent; and (e) (100%) of the
residents are not involved in decision making regarding garbage management. The findings
relating to the second objective were that diseases like cholera (50%), dysentery (6%),
malaria (16.7%), respiratory tract diseases (10%) and intestinal worms (3.3%) are in many
cases associated with improper garbage disposal. The findings relating to the third objective
were: air pollution (23.3%), water contamination (20%), soil contamination (20%), aesthetic
inconveniences (16.7%), land degradation (6.7%), blockage of drainages (3.3%), climate
change (3.3%), reduction in animal grazing pasture, injuries and/or death to animals, and
igniting of bush fires in game reserves.
With respect to the ethical evaluation, the Land Ethic’s holistic emphasis on
ecosystems brought out how garbage disposal contributes negatively towards human health
and the natural environment; the Precautionary Principle emphasised that garbage disposal
methods like burning, burying and others require putting in place precautionary measures to
prevent harm before it occurs; Environmental Virtue Ethics highlighted the lack of virtuous
character dispositions among Livingstone residents with respect to the wellbeing of the
environment. The application of these diverse theoretical approaches all point towards the
fact that garbage disposal practices in Livingstone city are ethically unacceptable.
The study recommended that the Livingstone City Council should adopt the
following measures: (i) to enforce the laws governing garbage disposal; (ii) to conduct public
awareness drives on sustainable garbage management; (iii) to provide garbage receptacles
like skips in the community; (iv ) to increase public involvement and participation in garbage
management activities; (v) to regulate, monitor and supervise companies engaged in the
collection and disposal of garbage; and (vi) that government should introduce a subject on
the environment in both primary and secondary schools which should be examinable.
Description
Keywords
Waste Management-Livingstone-Zambia , Refuse and Refuse disposal-Livingstone, Zambia