Household perception towards waste management sustainability: a study in Kochi city

Waste management is a global priority that affects public health, environmental quality, and the aesthetics of society. Rapid urbanisation and population growth have intensified the challenges in solid waste generation and its management. In Kochi City, Kerala, issues persist due to legacy waste. This study introduces the household waste control index (HWCI), a qualitative tool structured around three indicators: input, process, and output, to assess household waste management. A study among 384 households in Kochi City reveals that waste management practice remains suboptimal, underscoring the importance of fostering community engagement and social awareness to improve waste control practices. This study aligns local waste management strategies with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) through a mixed-method approach, combining household surveys with statistical analysis. The findings identify awareness, accessibility of waste facilities, and community participation as key factors influencing sustainable practices. The results directly support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while indirectly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Incorporating public perception into municipal waste management provides actionable insights to advance Kochi’s progress toward sustainability.