WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN OWERRI WEST, IMO STATE.

Abstract

Among third-world countries, including Nigeria and Owerri West in particular, themanagement of waste has posed a substantial challenge to environmental sustainability. This studyexamined waste management practices among households in Owerri West and their impact onenvironmental sustainability. Most of these practices are neither hygienic nor environmentallysustainable. The research aims to examine the types of household solid waste management practiceswith a view to identifying the most appropriate method for Owerri West Local Government Area, inorder to ensure a sustainable environment. The descriptive survey research design was used in thestudy. The data used for the study were collected through observations, questionnaire administration,and oral interviews. A total of two hundred respondents were randomly selected from the 10 wardsin the area. The data gathered were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statisticsto examine the relationship. The research revealed that the primary method of waste storage amonghouseholds is the use of private bins (mean = 3.46). Open dumping is the most prevalent disposalmethod (mean = 3.50), while the most sustainable measure for waste management in the area ismaking the necessary machinery for waste management available and accessible. The study equallyshowed a significant relationship between waste management and a sustainable environment. Theresearch recommends educating households on strategies for reducing solid waste generated in thearea, while the government should provide households with waste collection bins and prompt wasteevacuation.