Objective. The objective was to investigate factors that affect the efficient management of solid waste produced by commercial
businesses operating in the city of Pretoria, South Africa. Methods. Data was gathered from 1,034 businesses. Efficiency in solid
waste management was assessed by using a structural time-based model designed for evaluating efficiency as a function of the
length of time required to manage waste. Data analysis was performed using statistical procedures such as frequency tables,
Pearson’s chi-square tests of association, and binary logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios estimated from logistic regression
analysis were used for identifying key factors that affect efficiency in the proper disposal of waste. Results. The study showed
that 857 of the 1,034 businesses selected for the study (83%) were found to be efficient enough with regards to the proper
collection and disposal of solid waste. Based on odds ratios estimated from binary logistic regression analysis, efficiency in the
proper management of solid waste was significantly influenced by 4 predictor variables. These 4 influential predictor variables are
lack of adherence to waste management regulations, wrong perception, failure to provide customers with enough trash cans, and
operation of businesses by employed managers, in a decreasing order of importance.