CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

The environment we live in provides support for our survival as well as other living things.  Globally, efforts are being made to make people aware about the need to protect the environment. One of the main causes of environmental degradation is improper waste management in the disposal of solid waste (Vivek et al., 2013). It is a major cause of pollution and outbreak of diseases in many parts of the world.  What aggravates the situation is the fact that crisis related to the environment is of global concern and there is usually no permanent solution to environmental problems. 

The generation of solid waste is an important byproduct of socio-economic activities. The definition of solid waste varies among countries. Generally, waste generated from industrial sector, commercial, domestic, institutional and municipal services are included in municipal solid waste (MSW). The ever increasing population, along with rapid urbanization and industrialization directly affects the amount of urban and MSW generated (Singh et al., 2011). Presently, waste is generated faster than other environmental pollutants, including greenhouse gases (GHGs) (Hoornweg et al., 2013). The ever rising population has resulted in immense pressure on demand for food, shelter and on other natural resources leading to various environmental problems including waste generation and waste management. According to Adejobi and Olorunnimbe, (2012), industrial advancement, growing urban areas and rapid population growth are the major contributing factors to solid-waste generation in many developing countries.

Waste management is the process of collecting, transporting, processing or disposing, managing and monitoring of waste materials. The term usually relates to materials produced by human activity and the process is generally undertaken to reduce their effect on health, the environment or aesthetics. Waste includes all items that people no longer have any use for, which they either intend to get rid of or have already discarded and these include: packing items, garden waste, old paints containers, vegetables, metals etc. (Enete, 2010).  Poor waste management has been a major problem to human health and existence, affecting both rural and urban areas. A clean environment influences good health and good health further affects the productivity of man. Adogu et al., (2015), reported that proper waste disposal management is essential to sustain healthy living conditions in any environment. Strict adherence to appropriate waste management practices in any community will insulate the inhabitants from detrimental and hazardous environmental conditions and improve the living standard of the people. 

According to Al-Khatib et al., (2015), and Hilburn (2015), most communities in developing  countries often turn to waste disposal methods that have proven to be destructive to human  health and the environment, such as open dumping and burning (or unregulated landfills)  because they feel they have no other options to manage their solid waste. This suggests that most developing countries do not practice sustainable waste management.  

Banga (2013), reported in her work that participation in solid waste management activities depends on the level of awareness, household income, educational level and gender. Ayodeji  (2012), studied the waste management awareness, knowledge and practices of secondary  school teachers in Ogun state and concluded that all the teachers were aware and  knowledgeable about waste management even though they possessed negative waste  management practices. He reported appreciable awareness and knowledge about waste disposal among people in Nigeria but indicated that they are only aware of the crude and traditional methods and are oblivious of the modern methods such as incineration and recycling. Adeyemo and Gboyesola (2013), stated that, the attitude of people towards waste management can be affected by their level of knowledge and awareness of waste management. They also reported that homes with waste bins engage more in proper way of storing waste than homes without waste bins.

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