HOUSEHOLDS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR AN IMPROVED SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM IN AMPARA URBAN COUNCIL AREA

Abstract

This study investigated the households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved solid waste disposal (SWD) services in Ampara urban council area. In Ampara urban council (AUC) area solid waste is collected and open dumped to the Buddhangala sanctuary. This caused many social and environmental issues. Using cross-sectional data obtained from 301 households in Ampara urban council area, the study evaluate the association between residents’ attitude on recycling and residents’ WTP amount for improved SWD. As well as the association between residents’ awareness on consequences of recycling and WTP amount for improved SWD. Another objective was to find the mean WTP amount for improved solid waste disposal services and finally the impact of household characteristics on WTP amount of the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to draw conclusions. To elicit the WTP, open-ended contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed. Association between recycling attitude and WTP as well as association between awarenss of consequence of recycling and WTP was identified through pearson correlation. Impact of household characteristics on WTP amount was identified through multiple linear regression. According to the results, there is no association between residents’ attitude on solid waste recycling and amount they are willing to pay for an improved solid waste disposal system. As well as there is no association between residents’ awareness on consequences of recycling and willingness to pay amount for an improved solid waste disposal. The AUC residents’ WTP values indicated a mean WTP value of 390.23 LKR per month. Regression model shows that residents’ income levels have an impact on willingness to pay amount of the residents. The research findings shows the different average WTP amount at different income levels. Therefore, it is recommended to determine a garbage fee for AUC residents based on different income levels and use it to establish a fund that can be used in implementing improved solid waste disposal system.