Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to Select the Disposal Method for Diaper and Other Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs) Waste in Zimbabwean Cities: A Public Health Red Flag

Abstract

The management of soiled diapers and other absorbent hygienic products (AHPs) constitutes a critical and growing public health challenge in Zimbabwean cities. Current disposal practices are predominantly informal and unsanitary, leading to environmental contamination and severe health risks. This study applied the multi-criteria decision-making framework of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically evaluate and rank nine waste disposal methods, including: Land filling, Open Space Dumping, Controlled Incineration, Uncontrolled Incineration/Burning, Burying, Composting, Recycling, Anaerobic Digesting, and Toilets/Latrine. The evaluation was based on four weighted criteria: Public health impact, Environmental sustainability, Economic Feasibility, and Social Acceptability, as well as fourteen sub-criteria, as determined by expert stakeholder surveys. Recycling and Anaerobic Digestion were identified as the most optimal disposal methods, achieving the highest global priority scores of 28.7% and 19.7%, respectively. Environmental impact was determined to be the most critical decision criterion with a priority weight of 0.45, significantly outweighing public health impact (0.36), social acceptability (0.14), and economic feasibility (0.05). Burying, latrine disposal, and uncontrolled open space dumping were ranked as the least favorable options due to their high long-term public health and environmental risks. The study concludes that recycling, despite its cost, is the most viable method to immediately mitigate the public health “red flag” posed by AHP waste in the Zimbabwean urban context. Urgent policy intervention and investment are required to formalize and implement structured, high-temperature waste treatment systems for this hazardous waste stream.