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Disposable Diaper Usage and Disposal Practices in Samora Machel Township, South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Catherina J. Schenck

    (DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Takunda Y. Chitaka

    (DSI/NRF/CSIR Chair in Waste and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa)

  • Hugh Tyrrell

    (GreenEdge Consultancy, Cape Town 7708, South Africa)

  • Andrea Couvert

    (Independent Researcher, Cape Town 7925, South Africa)

Abstract

Single-use disposable diapers have a major impact on climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, especially those that are unlined, and particularly when such diapers are not well-managed and dumped in water courses and open spaces or burnt. The aim of this study was to explore the current usage and disposal practices of disposable diaper users in Samora Machel, a township in Cape Town, South Africa. The findings were to be used to inform the design and implementation of a pilot diaper collection model to follow. This urban/peri-urban area comprises lower-income, high-density communities in formal basic housing, with many backyarders and informal shacks. The dumping of diapers in open spaces and sewage systems causes severe problems. Therefore, we employed a theoretical socio-ecological system approach to guide the understanding of these complex environmental issues; the data collection methodology entailed a community-based participatory study process. Four hundred and eight (408) questionnaires consisting of quantitative and qualitative answers were codeveloped with members of the community and completed by trained community-based fieldworkers. A community walkabout and two focus groups provided rich data. The results show that complex waste streams such as disposable diapers and the related environmental issues are testing the limits of current management approaches; managing disposable diapers in underserved low-income communities creates a major burden for these already fragile communities. Single solutions will not suffice for these complex problems, so innovative waste management systems need to be codesigned with communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainability, equality, and social justice.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherina J. Schenck & Takunda Y. Chitaka & Hugh Tyrrell & Andrea Couvert, 2023. "Disposable Diaper Usage and Disposal Practices in Samora Machel Township, South Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9478-:d:1169848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. R. V. Niyobuhungiro & C. J. Schenck, 2022. "A global literature review of the drivers of indiscriminate dumping of waste: Guiding future research in South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 321-337, May.
    2. Gilles Grolleau & Lisette Ibanez & Naoufel Mzoughi & Mario Teisl, 2016. "Helping eco-labels to fulfil their promises," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(6), pages 792-802, August.
    3. Juliana F. F. Amauchi & Maeva Gauthier & Abdolzaher Ghezeljeh & Leandro L. L. Giatti & Katlyn Keats & Dare Sholanke & Danae Zachari & Jutta Gutberlet, 2022. "The power of community-based participatory research: Ethical and effective ways of researching," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(1), pages 3-20, January.
    4. Brueckner,Jan K. & Rabe,Claus & Selod,Harris, 2018. "Backyarding : Theory and Evidence for South Africa," Policy Research Working Paper Series 8636, The World Bank.
    5. Kyung-Shin Kim & Kyoung Jin Kim, 2018. "Evaluation of a Disposable-Diaper Collection Trial in Korea through Comparison with an Absorbent-Hygiene-Product Collection Trial in Scotland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-13, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Catherina Schenck & Hugh Tyrrell & Lizette Grobler & Rissa Niyobuhungiro & Alexander Kimani, 2024. "A Disposable Diaper Collection Project in Langa, Cape Town, South Africa: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(10), pages 1-21, September.

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