Effects of Technical Skills on Sustainable Solid Waste Management among Garbage Collectors in Lusaka District

Effective solid waste management remains a pressing challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities, particularly in Lusaka District, where deficiencies in technical skills among frontline garbage collectors have historically compromised operational efficiency, environmental protection, and worker safety. The problem is exacerbated by rapid population growth, increasing waste generation, and inadequate human resource development, making it difficult for municipal authorities and private waste companies to maintain sustainable collection services. This study assessed the effects of technical training on sustainable solid waste management, with specific objectives to (i) establish the technical skills needed in the management of solid wastes by garbage collectors, (ii) examine how these technical skills affect sustainable solid waste management, and (iii) propose strategies for enhancing technical skills to improve sustainability outcomes.
A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a holistic understanding of technical competencies and their practical implications. Based on the computed overall sample size of 152 respondents, stratified random sampling was employed to ensure proportional representation across different job roles involved in waste management. The population was divided into four strata: Managers, Environmental Health Coordinators, Waste Pickers, and Owners of Waste Collection Companies. Each stratum contributed approximately 38 respondents, evenly distributed across four selected companies, yielding around 10 respondents per company per stratum. Within each stratum, simple random sampling ensured that every eligible employee had an equal chance of inclusion, minimizing sampling bias and enhancing representativeness (Black, 2019; Etikan and Bala, 2017). This stratified approach allowed meaningful comparisons across managerial, supervisory, operational, and ownership levels, capturing diverse perspectives on technical skills and sustainability practices.
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Multiple Linear Regression, and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics revealed that 68% of respondents had prior technical training, with 72% emphasizing the importance of waste segregation skills. EFA identified six core competencies waste segregation, equipment handling, occupational health and safety, recycling knowledge, hazardous waste handling, and teamwork with factor loadings above 0.70, confirming coherence and relevance. Regression analysis indicated that these skills collectively explained 61.2% of the variance in sustainable solid waste management outcomes (R² = 0.612, p < 0.01), with waste segregation exerting the strongest predictive effect. ANOVA revealed significant differences in perceived training effectiveness (F = 6.380, p = 0.001), highlighting on-the-job training and practical workshops as the most impactful strategies.
Thematic analysis reinforced these findings, revealing themes of environmental protection, operational efficiency, worker health and safety, recycling participation, equipment proficiency, teamwork, community trust, and continuous monitoring. Hands-on, experiential training facilitated immediate skill application, reinforced behavioral change, and ensured adherence to sustainable practices. Conversely, e-learning and one-off certification programmes were less effective due to limited practical engagement and insufficient institutional support.
The study concluded that technical skills are critical determinants of sustainable solid waste management and that continuous, practical, and well-supported training programmes are essential. Recommendations include institutionalizing on-the-job training and workshops, integrating mentorship and supervision, and providing adequate infrastructure and equipment. These findings offer valuable guidance for municipal authorities, private waste companies, and training institutions seeking to improve efficiency, sustainability, and worker welfare in urban waste management systems.