Evaluating solar waste management practices in rural communities of Western Uganda Kakanju Sub- County

Despite the potential for clean energy access, the quick adoption of solar energy in rural areas has resulted in a rising problem with solar photovoltaic (PV) waste management that is not well addressed. A location where solar technologies are increasingly being used for small businesses, irrigation, and home illumination, Kakanju Sub- County, Bushenyi District, Western Uganda, is the site of this study's evaluation of solar waste management techniques. Data were gathered from 80 solar-using houses in five parishes using proportionate stratified random sampling. The questionnaires covered demographics, awareness, handling, and disposal of solar waste. The findings indicate that although while 88.8% of respondents are aware of solar waste, unsafe disposal methods such as burning and outdoor storage continue because of a lack of official recycling facilities, poor infrastructure, and a lack of technical expertise. The most often broken parts are batteries and panels, although just 3.8% of users take advantage of recycling services. Even though 93.8% of people tried recycling, 86.3% were unhappy with the way things are now disposed of. There is environmental consciousness, but actual effects are still mostly invisible. The absence of collection facilities, technical know-how, and well-defined rules are major obstacles. The necessity of policy enforcement, education, and incentive take-back programs is emphasized in community-driven suggestions. The results highlight how urgently integrated, locally tailored methods are needed in Uganda's expanding off-grid solar industry to guarantee safe, sustainable solar waste disposal and avoid future health and environmental hazards.