With rapid population growth and urbanization, the global annual waste generation is
expected to increase to 3.40 billion tonnes by the year 2050, while improper waste disposal
poses a potential threat of growing concern. Using a South African nationally representative
survey dataset, the General Household Survey, this study unraveled the determinants
of solid waste generation and factors influencing payment for its disposal. The estimation
approach employed was essentially based on descriptive (percentage, standard deviation,
mean) statistics. Additionally, Tobit regression of the composite solid waste were generated
from the Principal Component Analysis, while Probit Regression model assessed the
factors influencing the household’s payment for solid waste. The empirical results revealed
that household’s socio-economic characteristics contributes to solid waste generation and
payment for its disposal. The results of the two models indicated that, although household’s
asset portfolio (financial, physical, natural, and human assets) appear intangible,
they contributed significantly to solid waste generation and payment for its disposal. Therefore,
policy incentives targeted at investment in human capital, environmental awareness
programmes and clearer solid waste management strategies should be encouraged in South
Africa, given that environmental sustainability is key to the households’ health and economic
prosperity.