AN ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

ABSTRACT

This research was conducted on “Assessment of Solid Waste Disposal Practices in Majidadi ‘B’ ward in the Bauchi metropolis” aimed at assessing the nature and the methods used by the users of the area, which was first carried out through survey with the use of structured questionnaires to some persons chosen from the study area. 152 questionnaires were administered out of which 84.87% response was received. The data was analyzed using frequency table and the use of pie chart to distribute the percentages of responses. From the data analyzed it was revealed that 57.36% have no knowledge on waste disposal practices to adopt and the remaining percentages have acquired the knowledge from either environmental officers, through the media or other agencies. The result also shows that kitchen waste, wood and ashes and clothes account for the higher percentage of waste type generated with 23.26%, 21.71% and 17.05% respectively. 43.41% of the waste generated is collected in open containers before disposal and 19.38% in a dustbin while 12.40% uses trash can. Adequate and proper waste disposal facility is greatly needed as only 3.87% opined the presence of incinerators while the highest percentage of 55.87% is of the view of landfill which is unsanitary. This analysis revealed that waste disposal practices among the community of Majidadi ‘B” ward is poor and unhealthy, thus the need for some strategies which will help improve the situation. 30.23% of the households felt that government is responsible for disposing off wastes from the households to the disposal sites; however wastes are rarely disposed off by the agencies responsible, this could be as a result of inadequate equipment and funds challenging the agencies.The study concluded that most household generate high quantity of waste which are not properly disposed of either without knowing the disposal method to employ or are unaware of the dangers improper disposal may cause; which threaten human health and the environment. It is therefore recommended that public enlightenment on health impacts associated with improper disposal of wastes should be made more intensified and a massive campaign on promoting awareness on proper waste disposal practices should be organized, and if these measures are taken then the government on her part can enforce laws and penalties regarding improper disposal.