Analysis of Household Hazardous Wastes Awareness Level in Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

The study attempts to examine the awareness level household hazardous waste in Enugu metropolis. HHW generated in Enugu Metropolis were classified into eight, they include paints, garden chemicals, batteries, motoring products, medicines, home cleaning products, e-waste and household glasses. Ten layouts were randomly selected out of 41. A total number of 30 households per Layout were selected, totalling 300 respondents. A total of 24 checklists were used to evaluate the responses of householders to determine their level of awareness of HHW. Analysis of the awareness data was based on the frequency values obtained from our checklists. From our awareness analysis it was found that the level of householders’ awareness on the dangers of HHW in the Enugu metropolis is low. This low awareness level on the dangers associated with HHW may largely be attributed to be attitudinal as income level and/ or level of education played little role in the general awareness level. From our PCA we identified four indices which include: general disposal problems, health related issues, environmental problems, and poor handling of HHW, which reflects low awareness of HHW in the study area. There is also no general consensus as to what constitute HHW in the study area as well as their potential health and environmental impacts. This was seen from variations in responses of like-hood impacts of HHW. For example while some respondents agreed that paints may constitute danger to the human health and environment if not properly disposed, other disagree. This development it is anticipated may frustrate any effort at HHW management unless people are sensitized and enlightened.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n1p369