SURVEY OF THE PERCEPTION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON THE PROBLEMS OF WASTE DISPOSAL
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Domestic waste is the waste generated as consequence of household activities such as the cleaning, cooking, repairing empty container, packaging, huge use of plastic carry bags. Humanity has always produced waste that included not only the discarded bones of animals slaughtered for food, hundreds of stone axes found in Olduvia, or the stinking cesspits and hidden heaps of Medieval Europe but the momentous increase in waste that characterizes contemporary society, dating from the industrial revolution waste is more easily recognized than defined. Something can become waste when it is no longer useful to the owner or it is used and fails to fulfill its purpose. A great mixture of substances including fine dust, cinder, metal, glass, paper and cardboard, textiles, putrescible vegetable materials and plastic characterize solid waste.
In Nigeria, the problem of solid waste management (SWM) has been a concern which has existed for long in many big Nigerian cities such as in Onitsha, Lagos and other state etc. ( Gobo, 2004). The management of solid waste is today one of the important obligatory functions of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the entire country. However, this very important.
Waste, or rubbish, trash, junk, garbage, depending on the type of material or the regional terminology, is an unwanted or undesired material or substances. It may consist of the unwanted materials left over from a manufacturing process (industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural operation) or from community and household activities. The material may be discarded or accumulated, stored or treated (physically, chemically, or biologically), prior to being discarded or recycled. It is also used to describe something we use inefficiently or inappropriately.
According to Rundell (2000), he defined waste as unwanted materials or substances that ware left after something as being used such as industrial, chemical ,agricultural sewage waste etc. Ochulor (1988) also noted that those materials which as outlive their usefulness and collected for abortment can be referred to as waste.
The public confidence on the ability and the capability of the LGAs to play this statutory role diminished in the face of mounting heaps of refuse on major roads and highways. This is not without the ensuing environmental pollution that made the entire system unsatisfactory (Ojeshina,1996; Longe, 2005). Even though the fundamental objectives of any solid waste management programme are to minimize environmental pollution, these goals become unachievable in the absence of sustained funding, affordable local technological option and lack of participatory approach to integrated solid waste management. Currently in Nigeria, household waste of different sources are mixed and co-disposed without any form of segregation and sorting (Longe and Williams, 2006). Household waste could contain hazardous and toxic waste such as expired drugs, dried cells, broken class, syringes and thus constitute serious environmental and health hazards (Delgado, 2007).
Willingness to pay for waste management services or facilities is very important to the success of the private sectors’ participation (PSP) in (SWM) program. The willingness to or not to pay could have direct impact (positive or negative) on the reliability and success of any solid waste management strategy ( Rahman, 2005). The question therefore has to do with the economics of household waste management especially in a developing economy like Nigeria. A number of models have been proposed on this issue (Jenkins, 1991; Skumatz and Beckinridge, 1990; Atri and Schellberg, 1995) just to mention a few. A theoretical general equilibrium model had been used to determine the optimal fees for household waste collection.
Indiscriminate discharge and disposal of waste products in Onitsha has created a great nuisance due to its offensive sight and smell. Moreover, over encouragement of open dumping makes this nuisance to increase. Furthermore, every nook and cranny in Onitsha is littered with waste products and result, houseflies, mosquitoes and most insects fill the area and these insect often spread disease to man and animals.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Having observed the rate of spread of different disease infection and bad odour emanating from most environment in Anambra state for example in Onitsha were even along the express high way is uncomfortable to even breath due to bad odour, the researcher was moved to carry out this research to ascertain the reasons for improper disposal of these waste product, effect of this menace and to evaluate the possible ways to control this menace.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
In other to give attention to this research topic under investigation, the researcher outlined some of the research purpose as follows.
The types of waste are common in Onitsha Urban Secondary School.
Type of waste disposal facilities provided for secondary school students in Onitsha urban.
The problem affecting waste disposal in secondary schools in Onitsha urban.
The perception of secondary school students on problems of waste disposal in Onitsha urban.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study would provide an opportunity for the researcher to find out the information on waste disposal situations in Onitsha urban; which would be useful for both student and the public and at the same time help improve the attitude of waste disposal in schools and homes. Therefore, this would enable the students to identify the effects of indiscriminate disposal of waste in their life and that of those living around them. This research finding would also sever as a feedback for Onitsha urban waste disposal authority on now best to improve on the job of waste management.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research is carried out in five (5) different secondary schools in Onitsha Urban. All the teachers in these five (5) schools were made to respond to the questionnaire and some of the students were selected from each of the school.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What type of waste is common in Onitsha Urban Secondary School?
What waste disposal facilities are provided for secondary school students in Onitsha urban?
What are the problem affecting waste disposal in secondary schools in Onitsha urban?
What is the perception of secondary school students on problems of waste disposal in Onitsha urban?
