Abstract
Waste disposal methods commonly practiced in Awka metropolis, Anambra state were investigated from August to October, 2013. Data was analyzed with both descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages, and alternate hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 0.05. Respondents in support of open burning were 61.2 %, while 2.9 % took to burying waste as their preferred waste management option. Only about 34.0 % of the waste generated was collected at the dumpsites within the metropolis by the waste management agency, as the participants rely on their preferred waste management options without any consideration to the associated health and environmental consequences. Statistical analysis revealed that residents of Awka believed that their waste disposal methods were safe and waste collection points were enough. The residents do not shy away from participating in disposal of waste. Majority of the respondents were of the secondary school category that engages in domestic chores.
Highlights
Amassing waste and its management process is still a life threatening situation
Proper waste disposal methods and treatment is of great concern with respect to the quality of life and the environment we live in (Fakere et al, 2012)
Description of the study area: Awka is the capital of Anambra State and is located within south-eastern Nigeria
Summary
Proper waste disposal methods and treatment is of great concern with respect to the quality of life and the environment we live in (Fakere et al, 2012). Humans’ exposure to unhealthy disposal and management of waste is responsible for a majority of health risks and disease vectors (Ogbonna et al, 2012). Burning of waste for example either in incinerators, burn pits or open air releases harmful substances like dioxins, mercury, furan and polychlorinated biphenyls into the environment. These pollutants linger for a long time and have the tendency to bio-accumulate and is absorbed indirectly through food and water. In some studies on waste disposal, Babatola (2008), Awosusi (2010) and Ogbonna et al (2012) classified hospital waste, industrial waste and some household waste as
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