Abstract

Unregulated household waste disposal presents serious environmental and health challenges in urban slums 
globally. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of disposal practices, focusing on community 
awareness, waste volume and composition, as well as coping mechanisms in Urban Slums of Dangorayo, Somalia. 
Employing a descriptive research design, the study collected data through surveys and interviews with 388 
residents, local authorities, and environmentalists in Dangorayo. Key findings revealed a low level of community 
awareness regarding the risks associated with improper waste disposal and existing regulations, leading many 
households to resort to open dumping and burning due to limited access to formal waste management services. 
Organic waste was identified as the largest component of household waste. Furthermore, a significant proportion of 
households lacked regular waste collection services, resulting in frequent waste accumulation in public spaces. 
Analysis of coping mechanisms indicated that community strategies, such as informal waste storage and periodic 
clean-ups, were inadequate in addressing the waste crisis. The study concluded that unregulated waste disposal has 
considerable implications for public health and environmental quality. It recommended enhancing waste 
management infrastructure, increasing community awareness through targeted educational initiatives, and 
strengthening regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable waste practices and mitigate health risks. The findings 
presented in tables and figures throughout the study underscore the urgent need for intervention and provide a 
foundation for informed policy decisions.