Determinants of Household Waste Management Behavior in Urban Slum Communities: Evidence from Makassar City, Indonesia

Abstract

Household solid waste management in urban slum settlements remains a critical environmental and public health issue in developing countries. This study analyzed sociodemographic, environmental, and social determinants of household waste management practices in the slum areas of Makassar City, Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 106 households in Maccini Sombala Village using structured interviews and field observations. Data were examined through Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results showed that 61.3% of households demonstrated poor waste management, particularly in waste sorting and recycling. Education level and age emerged as significant predictors (p < 0.05). Respondents with secondary education were nearly three times more likely to practice proper waste management (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.18–7.25), while elderly respondents were more than four times more likely to do so (OR = 4.59; 95% CI: 1.17–17.99). Environmental and social factors—including sanitation, drainage, and community participation—were not significantly associated with waste management, likely due to homogenous living conditions in slum settings. The study concludes that individual-level characteristics are key drivers of waste management behavior. Strengthening education-based and participatory interventions is essential to enhance sustainable waste practices and environmental health in densely populated urban areas.