Assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and factors militating against solid waste management strategies in Aba, Abia state, Nigeria
Uzowuru DI, Amaechi AA, Onyeka PIK, Ukaga CN, Ikpeama CA, Ezike MN, Onuoha BC, Egejuru NJ, Oguh EMM, Osahor KE and Iwunze JI
Solid waste management is now a global issue. Solid waste is generated at all levels of our lives in Nigeria; both locally as household solid waste and in the corporate front as industrial wastes and management practices are very poor. To investigate the management strategies of solid waste in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, a study was conducted between June and November, 2018. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. A total number of 200 respondents were randomly selected as the study respondents. Results obtained on the awareness and attitudes revealed that greater proportions of the respondents (84.0%) were aware of waste management while (66.5%) exhibited poor attitudes. All the respondents opined that the waste management system in Aba was not effective. On the types and sources of solid wastes generation, non-biodegradables (63.5%) were reported more than (36.5%) biodegradables. It was also revealed that markets were the highest source of waste generation (65.0%). Burning/incineration and open dumping were the major methods of solid waste management methods with (46.0%) and (35.5%) respectively. Bags were reported to be the major waste collection method with (58.5%). These solid wastes generated in Aba metropolis has the potentials to be used for energy generation. There should be an enlightenment program by the government on waste management practices. It was further recommended that Government should create the enabling environment to enable private investors key into the initiative of building thermo-chemical plants that can effectively convert these solid wastes to electricity.