Improving Solid Waste Management Practices in Primary Schools in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

School system represents an important outlet for waste generation and advancement of knowledge on waste management. The aim of the study was to improve knowledge, attitude and practices of solid waste management (SWM) among pupils of selected primary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study intended to find out what will be the effect of the intervention (training on solid waste management) on the knowledge, attitude and practice of the students towards solid waste recycling? A quasi-experimental study was conducted among pupils of two primary schools (public and private schools). Using validated questionnaire, information was collected to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices before and after intervention. Waste generated over a two-week period was characterised. A solid waste segregation stand was provided with all students trained on waste craftsmanship. Data were analysed at p=0.05. The post-intervention knowledge scores at increased from 5.3 ± 1.9 to 8.8+1.3 and 5.6 ± 2.4 to 9.1 ± 1.3 in public and private schools, respectively. The predominant waste materials in both schools were paper and nylon with mean weekly values of 5.3 ± 0.6 kg and 4.0 ± 0.4 kg in public school and 14.8 ± 0.2 kg and 8.6 ± 0.9 kg in private school. Plastic and organic waste had mean weekly values of 1.8 ± 0.0 kg and 0.5 ± 0.6 kg in public school and 2.9 ± 0.7 kg and 0.4 ± 0.3 kg in private school, respectively. Different crafts were made by the pupils from the components of waste generated. The intervention led to waste recycling and improved pupils' SWM knowledge, attitude and practices.