EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ENUGU – URBAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study is aimed at providing an overview of solid waste management practices in Enugu-Urban with a view to highlighting the challenges inherent in the process and how effective environmental education and public awareness on the management of solid wastes which is a major requirement for sustainability. Oral interviews were conducted with some of the inhabitants of Enugu-metropolis about their solid waste management practices and level of environmental education such as reduction of waste generation, sorting of their wastes at the source, effective disposal of wastes, not to litter the streets with wastes etc. The operators of the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) were also interviewed to find out their modus operandi and how effective they have been in inculcating behavioural changes in the inhabitants of Enugu Urban through public enlightenment and environmental education. The study found out that there is no environmental education at all in the study area (Enugu-Urban). This has resulted in poor and negative attitude of inhabitants of Enugu urban toward solid waste Management. The recommendations were made towards effective management practices of solid wastes among which are: promotion of public awareness and environmental education on waste separation at source, prevention, reduction, recycling, re-use and to reduce the volume of solid waste generated at all levels.