Determinants of Street Littering in an Urban Setting in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Littering is an inherent societal problem that has been marginalized in waste management efforts most especially in some low- and middle-income countries. Though its effect might seem negligible to the individual, its consequences on the environment remain substantial. The objective of this survey is to determine the socio-demographic and behavioural determinants of street littering among inhabitants in an urban Local Government Area (LGA) in Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Oredo LGA of Benin City amongst 422 respondents with an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire using a cluster sampling technique. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 16 statistical software. The mean age of respondents was 30.01 (±19.53) years. Respondents' most common method of litter disposal was either by putting them into waste bins (52.6%) or burning the trash (28.7%). Legislation (43.4%) and availability of street bins (40.5%) were the most effective measures identified to curb littering behaviour. There was a statistically significant association between street littering tendencies and age (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001) and educational status (p<0.009) of the respondents. In conclusion, age, gender and educational status of respondents were significantly associated with littering behaviour. Environmental policy review, improved health promotion activities and provision of anti-littering infrastructure is recommended.