Solid waste management practices and its key factors among households in resource-limited settings, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Proper handling of solid waste plays a vital role in protecting both the environment and public health. Despite this, inadequate waste handling remains a major challenge in many developing nations, including Ethiopia, threatening ecological balance and community health. Objective: This study aimed to identify key factors influencing solid waste management practices among households in resource-limited settings in Northwest Ethiopia in 2024. Design and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the community level, involving 558 households in Debre Markos town selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data entry was performed using EpiData, and statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS Version 26. To determine factors associated with effective solid waste management practices, both bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied, considering odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and a significance level set at p  < 0.05. Result: A total of 378 (67.7%) households exhibited improper solid waste management practices. Households with higher education levels were significantly more likely to manage waste properly (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 1.15–7.85), as were those with higher income levels (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.53–6.42). A positive attitude toward waste management was also associated with better practices (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.13–5.77), along with participation in cleanup campaigns (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.12–3.79). Moreover, households willing to pay for waste management services were significantly more likely to engage in proper waste management (AOR = 7.28; 95% CI: 2.84–13.85). Conclusions: This study revealed that the majority of households (67.7%) practiced poor solid waste management. Key factors influencing these practices include education level, income, attitudes, family size, participation in cleanup campaigns, and willingness to pay for services. Based on the study’s findings, the authors recommend that the town administration implement training programs to raise awareness about the consequences of poor solid waste management. Promoting positive attitudes, encouraging participation in cleanup activities, and considering financial incentives are crucial for improving solid waste management practices.