EVALUATION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI (FUTO), IMO STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The main purpose of this work was to evaluate the waste management practices at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). The research utilized library, observations and sample survey technique. Other related literatures were also reviewed. Questionnaires based on formulated hypotheses were also employed. Data gathered were analyzed using textual, diagrams (charts and graphs) and tabular forms of data presentation. Percentages and figures were also used to clarify the relationships between variables. Consequently, the findings gotten from the field shows that the kind of domestic solid wastes that is generated in the study area were majorly organic, paper, plastic, metal and textile wastes. About 72% of all the domestic solid wastes that is generated at the eateries in the study area were mainly organic wastes. The domestic solid waste management strategies in place were burning, open dumping and burying. Open dumping was found to be the most common domestic solid waste management strategy practiced in the study area. The key players involved in the management of solid wastes were the school management and individual households. This study shows that the method of waste management adopted in the study area does not conform to sustainable waste management strategy which results in environmental degradation and health risks. This implies that much attention has not been given to domestic solid waste management in the study area. The study therefore suggests that there is need to introduce solid waste management in the coursework of all the departments in the institution so that they could be informed on the need to maintain a clean and healthy environment. And more attention should be given to waste disposal management through adequate funding by providing the students and residents with properly designed waste disposal points in order to protect the environment from pollution.