Spatial Pattern of Generation and Management of Household Hazardous Waste in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the spatial pattern of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) generation and management options in the Enugu Metropolis. Ten (10) layouts were randomly selected from forty one (41) residential layouts that make up Enugu Metropolis. A total of 300 structured questionnaires were randomly administered to households, while oral interviews were conducted in the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA). The study showed that home cleaning waste was the most frequently generated HHW, accounting for 19%. This was followed by glasses (17%) and batteries (14.8) while the less generated include e-waste (10.4%), motoring products (8.7%), and paints (7.1%). Government Residential Area (G.R.A) generated the highest amount of HHW with a percent value of 13.1%, followed by New Haven (12.7%), Iva-Valley (10.6%), Ogui (10.2%) and Independence layout (10%). The relationship between dwelling type and quantity of HHW generated showed that the buildings with multiple rooms generated the highest (31%) amount of HHW, followed by three bedroom apartments. Lowest income earners (5,000-20,000 naira) were known to generate highest quantity, while houses with income above 250,000 naira generate less quantity. The study showed that 22.7% of the households indicated that they have no means of disposing of HHW, 2.7% indicated that they keep them or reuse them, 2.6% pour liquid HHW down their sinks or drains, 5% take them to a landfill site, the remaining 67% dispose of them in anyhow. Thus, there is a need for sensitization as this will encourage waste sorting, as well as help in educating the public on the need to purchase fewer hazardous products.