Solid waste management practice and challenges in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria

Sustainable healthy living conditions depends on effective waste management. The aim of this study is to evaluate solid waste management practices and challenges in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria. Three communities were administered three hundred questionnaires which were pre- tested and refined. The results shows that 56.7% of respondents are male while only about 43.3% are female and 70% of household heads are married. Organic waste/food waste had the highest percentage of 96.7% followed by plastic (90%). Empty can drinks recorded the highest percentage with (100%) across the study area. A Majority (73.3%) of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that inadequate service coverage by waste managers could lead to waste management problems while 13.3% were undecided. 73.3% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that lack of trained personnel by waste managers could lead to waste management problems. A Majority (80%) and (83.3%) of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that lack of vehicles and vehicle /equipment breakdown of waste managers could lead to waste management problems. 72% and 66.7% of the respondents strongly agreed and agreed that the lack of enforcement measures by government agencies and poor cooperation by government agencies on waste managers could lead to waste management problems. 86.7% of respondents considers that environmental degradation from solid waste affects their families while 96.7% of respondent agreed that waste litter the road, land and public area. Sapele locals require health education as well as regular garbage collection facilities at authorized final dump locations. These will encourage rigorous adherence to proper and appropriate waste management procedures among them.