Safe Solid Waste Disposal

The indicator measures the presence of proper solid waste disposal practices at household level. Living Area definition: in cases where different households are living collectively (e.g. an IDP camp, collective shelters, public buildings, transit centres), the living area is defined as inside the wall/fence that surrounds the collective area. If there is no wall/fence, then the living area is defined as the collective area plus a 20-metre radius around the group of houses, shelters, or structures that make up the collective area. In cases where households are living separately, the living area is defined as being inside the wall/fence that surrounds the household's house, shelter, or structures (i.e. its compound). If there is no wall/fence, then the living area is defined as being within a 20-metre radius around the house, shelter, or group of structures that make up the household.

Proper disposal of solid waste means that households
1. Have access to appropriate hardware for disposal of solid waste; and
2. Demonstrate appropriate usage of this hardwawre
While "appropriate" hardware is contextual, it generally includes any household or communal refuse bin or pit which, when used properly, adequately reduces public health risks associated with vectors, flooding, and contamination of water sources.
Appropriate usage means that
1. There is no unhealthy accumulation of solid waste in the living area; and
2. The hardware is operated and maintained as designed (e.g. bins have lids, waste in pits is regularly covered with soil or ash, no obvious vector issues)

Calculation: the percent is derived by dividing the number of households surveyed who properly dispose of solid waste by the total number of households surveyed in the target population. Both numerator and denominator are reported as well as the percent.
Numerator - number of households surveyed who properly dispose of solid waste
Denominator - number of households surveyed in the target population
The presence of proper household solid waste disposal practices is measured by interview and direct observation during a quantitative, representative household survey
To determine if the household's solid waste disposal practice complies with the definition stated above, enumerators will
1. Ask the respondent where their household disposes its solid waste (see recommended survey question below)
2. Observe the stated disposal site (if possible) and determine whether it is "appropriate" and properly operated and maintained; and
3. Assess the living area for unhealthy accumulations of solid waste

RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTION (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A)

Q: Can you please show me where and how you usually dispose of your household’s solid waste? 
A Select one of the following:
1) bury it
2) burn it
3) carry to a designated trash can/ dump
4) carry it to an unofficial dump
5) other – specify: …………………………
NOTE: Only answers 1-3 count as “safe disposal” (option 3 only if it is an officially designated place posing no health hazards).