Awareness of solid waste management practices among basic school pupils in Dormaa Municipality

Abstract

The study sought to find out the awareness level of solid waste management practices among basic school pupils in Dormaa Municipality, Ghana since indiscriminate waste practices could significantly affect human health and the physical environment. This research used descriptive design and collected data from 300 school children and 10 teachers from three selected basic schools within the Dormaa Municipality for analysis. Data was gathered using a self-developed questionnaire which was processed and analysed with IBM SPSS version 20 as well as Microsoft Excel. The results showed that the basic school pupils were aware of waste management practices because of their early exposure and introduction to same via class discussions and lesson. The results revealed that overall awareness level of the basic school pupils was high. This means and indicates that basic school pupils in the Dormaa Municipality were much aware of the solid waste management practices and the health and environmental effects associated with it. It also revealed that the only solid waste collection and storage method in the selected schools was the use of plastic waste bins. The study further revealed that solid waste disposal in the schools was mainly through landfills and burning. Outbreak of diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria, and Cholera were some of the environmental health effects of improper solid waste management practices mentioned. However, in spite of their awareness, school pupils continued to exhibit low levels of proper and best waste management practices. The study concluded that waste management challenges are prevalent in basic schools where formative behaviour can be modelled. Hence, the study recommended that the Dormaa Municipal Assembly should collaborate with the Educational Institutions and their authorities to develop and implement periodical educational programs to inform basic school pupils in the municipality about proper and best waste management practices.