Disposable diaper waste accumulation at the human-livestock-wildlife interface

Abstract

Improper management of disposable diaper waste is becoming a priority global health issue because it has resulted in environmental accumulation of fecal pathogens and non-biodegradable material. Concerns include drinking water safety, as well as chemical and physical contaminants that may harm human, animal (domestic and wildlife), and environmental health. In rural areas, especially those in low- and middle-income countries where municipal waste management infrastructure may be lacking, this issue is particularly challenging. Using a One Health approach, this study used spatial statistics to describe the location and proximity of disposable diaper waste sites to livestock grazing areas, human dwellings, rivers, and conservation areas in agro-pastoralist com- munities in South Africa. A total of 627 unique diaper waste sites were identified and plotted between May 2019 and March 2020. The mean distance of waste sites to rivers was 2,196 m (SD = 1,799) and 5,523 m (SD = 2,642) to protected areas. Most diaper waste sites were located along the perimeter of villages and dwellings, where livestock grazing areas are common. This description of waste sites is an important step in strategizing efficient and effective waste management programs and policies that prioritize those areas with greatest potential impact on human, animal, and environmental health for remediation.