Abstract:
Disposal of disposable infant diapers has emerged as one of the major challenges in solid
waste management. The use of disposable infant diapers is an unmanageable challenge
in many rural areas due to a lack of disposal equipment and proper disposal methods.
Incorrect disposal of used disposable infant diapers causes immediate and long-term
negative health, environmental, social and economic impacts on communities.
Consequently, this study sought to establish the practices and effects of used diaper
disposal in the community of Mashashane Village, Limpopo. Using snowball sampling,
households with infants determined participants for this study. The data collection
methods were observations and questionnaires. The results showed that most mothers
used disposable infant diapers. All respondents indicated that they did not have proper
places for disposal and as a result, they disposed of used disposable infant diapers at
any convenient place such as near streams, in wetlands and open places. The study,
therefore, concluded that disposal of used disposable infant diapers was not appropriately
practised in Mashashane Village and that led to environmental, social and economic
challenges that require immediate intervention by the municipality. The study
recommended that the municipality should encourage proper disposal of used disposable
infant diapers through provision of skip bins and waste collection trucks.
