Willingness to Pay for Solid Waste Management System in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: A Socio-Economic Analysis

Abstract

The present study attempts to analyze the relationship between socio-economic factors and willingness to pay (WTP) for solid waste management in Dhaka city. Primary data were randomly collected from 120 households through comprehensive questionnaire. Four areas with varying income levels - Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Banani and Khilgaon - were purposely selected, because this study aimed to find a relationship between WTP and income of the households. Compared to Mirpur and Khilgaon, households with higher income reside in Banani and Mohammadpur. The findings of the study show that there is a positive relationship between household income and WTP for waste management. The residents in all four areas showed concern about solid waste management and the negative impacts waste accumulation has on the environment. Residents in unison also expressed their dissatisfaction with the quality of the existing solid waste management system. The study concluded that residents indeed are willing to pay more for better waste management, and this higher payment can then be used to enhance the existing solid waste management system - resulting in cleaner and more hygienic environment in Dhaka city.