Evaluation of Residents Perception of Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Temple Probyne Abali 1 ,
Leonard Michael Onyinyechi Aminigbo 1,
 
Michael Uzodianya Didia 1
1Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

International Journal of Sustainable Technology, Environmental Sciences and Conservation (IJSTESC)
Volume 1, Issue 1, Pages 10 - 21
Published: 28 August 2025

Abstract

This study examined the perception, attitude, and disposal behaviours of inhabitants on solid waste management in the Port Harcourt Metropolis. Data set from a sample of one hundred (100) respondents, using simple random sampling techniques. The primary instrument utilized in collecting the data was a questionnaire. The concept of Distance Decay was employed to elucidate the behaviour of residents. From the study, 39% of the respondents attributed the causes of poor waste disposal to indifferent attitude of the residents, 35% to lack of waste disposal facilities, 22% lack of waste services and 6% to institutional failure. Furthermore, the findings indicated that a majority of the participants (75.0%) discard their solid garbage in local skips, whereas a significant proportion of respondents (25.0%) chose to dispose of their solid wastes on the street. Recycling was the favoured technique of solid waste disposal among the available strategies. Forty-six percent (46%) of the respondents believe that the responsibility for maintaining clean environments falls with the Ministry of Environment. Respondents perceive that incorrect treatment of solid wastes leads to foul odours, the proliferation of parasites, visual displeasure, aesthetic issues, and drain blockages. The study recommends an increase enlightenment campaign through jingles in mass media, recruitment and empowerment of community health workers and sanitary officers, reactivation of the monthly environmental sanitation programme. The Port Harcourt City Council, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, should enhance the dissemination of information regarding the hazards associated with the haphazard disposal of solid waste.

Keywords:
Dumpsites Solid Waste Perception Disposal Environment
APA Referencing Format

Abali, T. P., Aminigbo, L. M. O & Okoye, A. A. (2025). Evaluation of Residents Perception of Dumpsites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. International Journal of Sustainable Technology, Environmental Sciences and Conservation (IJSTESC), 1(1), 10-21.

References

  1. Babayemi, J. O., & Dauda, K. T. (2011). Evaluation of Solid Waste Generation, Categories and Disposal options in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Mgt. 13, 83-88.
  2. Ebikapade, A. & Jim, B. (2016) The Concept of Waste and Waste Management. Journal of Management and Sustainability, 6 (4).
  3. Gidarakos, E., Havas, G., & Ntzamilis, P. (2019). Municipal solid waste composition determination supporting the integrated solid waste management system in the island of Crete. Waste Mgt. 26, 668-679.
  4. Gobo, A. (2019). Solid Waste Management Options for the Niger Delta. Proceedings of the 3rd National Workshop on Waste Management and Pollution in the 21st Century, Rivers State Ministry of environment and Natural resources, Port Harcourt.
  5. Igoni, A. H., Abowei, M. F. N., Ayotamuno, J. M., & Eze, C. L. (2013). Effect of total solids concentration of municipal solid waste in anaerobic batch digestion on the biogas produced. J. Food Agricul. Environ. 5, 333337.