Solid waste management remains one of the most critical yet overlooked pillars of environmental and public health in India. The rapid pace of urbanization, growing consumerism, and inadequate waste segregation practices have contributed to severe waste management challenges, especially in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh. Poor waste disposal not only pollutes natural resources and degrades ecosystems but also fosters the spread of diseases and compromises overall community well-being. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), launched in 2014, brought sanitation and cleanliness to the forefront of national consciousness. However, gaps between awareness and sustainable action persist at the grassroots level [1-4]

In the context of Himachal Pradesh, the terrain itself poses unique logistical and infrastructural challenges to effective solid waste collection, segregation, and disposal. Despite commendable strides in rural sanitation and increasing urban waste collection coverage, public understanding of waste classification, recycling practices, and the long-term environmental consequences of improper waste disposal remains inconsistent. Cultural norms, lack of civic education, and limited municipal enforcement further exacerbate the issue [5,6].

The role of community engagement, environmental education, and behavioral change communication is essential in addressing these challenges. Individuals must be informed not just about “what” needs to be done (e.g., segregating   dry  and wet waste), but also “why” it matters (e.g., preventing groundwater contamination, improving air quality). Understanding attitudes toward waste disposal, participation in cleanliness drives, and the perceived responsibility for maintaining sanitation are crucial for designing effective interventions [7,8].

This study was undertaken to assess the level of public awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward solid waste disposal and sanitation practices in Himachal Pradesh. It aimed to identify demographic disparities in understanding, explore behavioral patterns, and evaluate the community’s alignment with the goals of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and sustainable waste management.

Study Design

A descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based online survey was conducted to evaluate public awareness, perceptions, and practices related to solid waste disposal and sanitation among the residents of Himachal Pradesh.

Study Population and Area

The target population included adult residents (aged 18 years and above) from rural, semi-urban, and urban regions across Himachal Pradesh. Efforts were made to ensure inclusive representation based on age, gender, education, and occupation.

Study Duration

The survey was conducted over a period of three months, from January to March 2025.

Sample Size and Sampling Technique

Assuming a 50% awareness rate of waste disposal practices (due to limited region-specific data), and a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error, the minimum sample size was calculated to be 384. To account for incomplete responses, the target sample size was increased to 430. Convenience sampling was employed, with digital dissemination of the survey via social media, WhatsApp, local community groups, and NGOs involved in sanitation advocacy.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

• Inclusion: Residents of Himachal Pradesh aged 18+, able to read Hindi or English, and willing to provide informed electronic consent

• Exclusion: Incomplete responses, non-residents, and those under 18 years of age

Data Collection Tool

A structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) questionnaire was administered through Google Forms. It included:

• Socio-demographic details

• Knowledge and awareness of solid waste management and sanitation (20 MCQs)

• Attitudes and behaviors toward waste disposal and environmental responsibility

Scoring and Categorization

Each correct response was awarded 1 point, incorrect or “don’t know” responses were scored 0. Total scores were classified as:

• Very Good: ≥80%

• Good: 60–79%

• Fair: 40–59%

• Poor: <40%

Data Analysis

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to present demographic distributions, frequencies, and percentages for knowledge levels and responses.

The study included 430 respondents, with a wide representation across age, gender, and location. A majority were aged 18–25 (41.2%) and female (58.1%). Educational attainment was relatively high, with over 70% completing secondary or higher education. Rural respondents made up 44.2% of the sample, enabling meaningful comparisons across settings.

Table 1: socio-demographic characteristics of participants

The questionnaire focused on real-world, relevant aspects of waste disposal including segregation, environmental impacts, recycling, and Swachh Bharat goals. The questions aimed to reflect both foundational and practical knowledge.

Table 2: awareness and knowledge of solid waste and sanitation practices

        A large majority (76.7%) of participants were classified in the "Very Good" or "Good" knowledge categories. However, the presence of 18.4% with only fair knowledge, and 4.9% with poor understanding, highlights the need for enhanced awareness campaigns, especially in rural and less-educated segments.
 

Table 3: knowledge score classification

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the current state of public awareness and behavioral attitudes toward solid waste management and sanitation in Himachal Pradesh. The high participation of young adults (41.2% aged 18–25) is particularly significant, as this demographic is both the most adaptable to behavioral change and the most likely to drive future environmental advocacy. With females comprising a larger proportion of respondents (58.1%), the study also reflects the important role that women, especially homemakers, play in managing household-level waste and promoting hygiene practices.

Encouragingly, a large majority of participants demonstrated a sound understanding of key aspects of waste segregation and environmental impact. Over 80% correctly identified segregation as the first step in effective waste management and were familiar with basic bin color coding and the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Knowledge about the hazards of plastic burning, the environmental benefits of composting, and the dangers of open dumping was also relatively strong, reflecting the effectiveness of recent national and regional awareness campaigns.

However, certain knowledge gaps remain. Only 66.7% of respondents knew the proper disposal method for used sanitary napkins, and less than 70% were aware of methane release from decomposing organic matter. These gaps suggest a need for more comprehensive education on nuanced topics such as menstrual waste management, rural composting methods, and the health-environment linkages of improper disposal. Furthermore, misconceptions about incineration, e-waste, and rural waste challenges indicate the need for contextualized environmental education that addresses local realities.

The classification of knowledge scores showed that while a combined 76.7% of respondents had "Good" or "Very Good" awareness, a significant minority—23.3%—still fell into the "Fair" or "Poor" categories. This disparity was more pronounced among those with lower education levels and in rural settings, pointing to inequitable access to information. These findings suggest that while awareness campaigns have been successful in urban and semi-urban areas, rural communities require more sustained and inclusive outreach efforts, potentially through schools, self-help groups, and Panchayati Raj institutions.

The results also underscore the importance of community-driven waste initiatives. Respondents widely recognized the role of cleanliness drives and public demonstrations in boosting awareness. This supports the argument that decentralized, participatory waste management programs—tailored to local culture and geography—can bridge knowledge gaps and inspire long-term behavior change. To sustain momentum, waste management must be reframed not just as a civic responsibility but as a shared environmental and health imperative [3,4,7].

This study highlights that while awareness regarding solid waste disposal and sanitation practices in Himachal Pradesh has notably improved, substantial disparities persist in knowledge depth and behavioral adoption across different demographics. Urban and educated respondents displayed higher awareness levels, while rural and less-educated groups showed a greater need for targeted interventions. Overall, while the community exhibits a growing willingness to engage with waste management goals under the Swachh Bharat framework, efforts must be strengthened through localized education, participatory approaches, and consistent public engagement to foster a truly sustainable and environmentally responsible culture.

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