ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the assessment of solid waste disposal practices amongst students in hostels in Osasogie community, with the purpose of understanding the problems of solid waste disposal in the community and why the strategies adopted were ineffective.The survey research design was used to carry out the study and it comprises a sample size of 72 students representing 3% of the total population as at the time of  conducting the study which was 2,417 on estimate.

The research was carried out using a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher to provide relevant data on the four research questions guiding the study.  The research instrument was validated by the researcher’s project supervisor and two other experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The reliability was established using the test-retest method. The questionnaire was administered by the researchers after careful explanation to the respondents and retrieved immediately. After collation of the instrument , the data was as analyzed using Frequency and percentage. The survey revealed that a good percentage the residents were aware of the concept of solid waste and it’s management, they also have knowledge on the effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and themselves as well and that there are challenges affecting the effectiveness of the waste management strategies undertaken in the community, from the research it is quite evident that the waste management services are not essentially accessible in all areas of the community but rather limited to a few areas.

It is recommended that the community leaders should collaborate with the right authorities to provide better waste management services for the community and create awareness among the residents on adopting better attitudes and practices towards proper waste disposal.