The state and management of hazardous waste discarded by beauty salons of the central business district of Musina, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Beauty salons treatments use products that are hazardous, and if not properly discarded, can cause environmental and human health problems. The study examined the state and management of hazardous waste (HW) discarded by all eight salons located in the central business district of the town of Musina in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Nail varnish bottles were the most discarded HW product per week by all salons. Shop managers make use of municipal refuse bag for temporary storage, which are then transported to the municipal landfill site for final disposal. None of the participant's separate waste: the main reasons being a lack of awareness of separation management. Shop owners and employees' attitude towards HW management was neutral, while their level of knowledge on the impact of HW on the environment and human health was rated low. 75% of respondents were unaware that the products they discard constitute HW.