DOI: 10.36347/SASJM.2019.v05i09.002

Pages: 135-141

The aim of the study was to investigate waste management practices among residents of Umuowa Community, Orlu L.G.A. waste management is the collection, transport, processing or disposing, managing and monitoring of waste materials. Four objectives and four research questions guided this study. The design used for the study is a crosssectional descriptive survey, target population of the study is 960 as distributed fathers, mothers, youths who live permanently in Umuowa Community. The sample size for the study was 282 statistically determined by Taro Yamene formula. Sampling technique used for the study is a simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection is questionnaire. The result showed that a large number (90%) of the residents are aware of waste management and have knowledge in various methods of waste disposal. Majority of the residents 275 (95.52%) affirmed that proper waste disposal can better the health of the community, yet they have poor waste management practices. It was discovered that the most prevalent method of disposal is open dumping as 279 (99%) of the respondents practice open dumping, followed by burning, this pollutes the environment. The researcher made the following recommendations; Government should formulate a policy on proper waste management in rural areas. Government should also make adequate efforts to provide means of waste collection and disposal in rural areas.