Households’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Solid Waste Management in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Municipal solid waste if not properly disposed could cause pollution to the environment or even harm to human health. This study examined household’s willingness to pay for improved solid waste management in Uyo metropolis, Akwa Ibom State. Primary data were randomly collected from 160 respondents’ households and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model. The results show that the mean household monthly expenditure was ₦ 52, 173 ($ 144.93), and they were willing to pay ₦ 618.28 ($ 1.72) monthly for an improved solid waste management. Also, some variables including number of years of formal schooling, household’s monthly expenditure and awareness of negative health implications of indiscriminate waste disposal, had positive and significant influenced on willingness to pay (WTP) for improved solid waste management, while age had negative and significant influence on WTP. Incorporating these findings and adoption of house to house collection of solid waste with a monthly service charge is recommended for efficient solid waste management in the study area.