Waste Disposal Mechanism as Determinant of Health Status of Residents of Ijebu-Ode Metropolis

ABSTRACT

Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty (n=120) participants were drawn using simple random sampling technique from ten streets of Ijebu Ode metropolis. Interview and personal observation were used to collect the data. These data collections were Residents’ Waste Management Methods, Solid Waste Management Attitude Scale, Key Informant Interview Schedule. A mean score of 2.0 and above indicates that the residents are of positive attitude towards solid waste management while a mean score of less than 2.0 indicates negative attitude. The use of single bin in collection of waste appears inadequate coupled with twice frequency of disposal of wastes in a month. Given the result (median = 2.00) wastes from homes of the residents were disposed on a generally note twice a month, and a score (median 1.00) indicate that common waste receptacles placed in designated locations are the only procedure of waste disposal among the residents. On awareness of health related diseases, the results (Median= 1.00) residents of Ijebu-Ode community claimed awareness of health related diseases of waste disposal and result of (Median = 1.00) shoes that the frequency of outbreak of diseases in keeping refuse dumps among the residents was low.

It was concluded that the residents claimed of awareness of waste management and health related diseases but it obvious that the residents do not have full understanding or knowledge of waste management but rather base on residual knowledge and past experience on waste management which is still accounting for finding the environment be littered and polluted with wastes. Among others, there should be public education on proper ways of solid waste disposal in the metropolis to inform the general public on the implications of unhealthy environment and the need to keep their communities clean. The education could be done by Local Authorities and the Ogun State Environmental Programme Agency (OGEPA) was recommended.