Determining the regulatory awareness and knowledge of small business owners regarding waste management in the Nquthu Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Waste management plays a crucial role in preserving the environment, promoting resource efficiency, reducing pollution, and safeguarding human and ecosystem health. It requires collaboration among individuals, businesses, governments, and communities to effectively address the challenges associated with waste generation, treatment, and disposal. Small businesses, like all economic entities, contribute to waste generation through the operations. As waste generators, small businesses can adopt waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal methods to create a cleaner environment and healthier communities. However, many small business owners lack awareness and understanding of waste management laws, preventing from fulfilling the responsibilities as waste generators in accordance with legal requirements. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the regulatory awareness and knowledge of small business owners in the Nquthu Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. Initially, a literature review was conducted on international, African, national, and municipal waste management legislation, as well as the obligations of waste generators and how awareness and knowledge of these laws contribute to sustainable waste management practices. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was administered to 143 consenting small business owners. The study results revealed a low level of awareness among small business owners regarding the implementation of provisions outlined in the National Environmental Management: Waste Act (NEMWA) for the businesses. Many small businesses were unaware of the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) 2020 and lacked understanding of how it applied to the operations. Additionally, approximately half of the participants were aware of the norms and standards for waste storage (Government Notice 505 of 2014), while there was limited knowledge of the Municipal Solid Waste By-laws. Based on these findings, targeted awareness campaigns, educational programs, resource support, monitoring and compliance checks, incentives, and recognition strategies are urgently needed to address the lack of awareness and knowledge among small business owners regarding waste management.