Waste generation and disposal in residential buildings: evaluation among income groups for environmental sustainability in Uyo metropolis

The study evaluated the perception of the extent of generation of different types of waste, the effectiveness of different waste disposal methods, the level of lack of consideration for environmental concerns and the relationship between the various types of wastes generated and the lack of environmental concerns among income groups in yo metropolis. The study adopted the survey design approach using structured questionnaires purposively administered on 158 respondents resulting in 132 valid responses comprising 46 low, 54 medium and 32 high income earners. Data were analysed using descriptive, relative importance index, Kruskal Wallis and correlation analysis. In conclusion 63.2% of the identified type of wastes attained a significant level, 36.8% were insignificant. Only 28.6% of the disposal methods were ineffective, 71.4% were ineffective, while all the indicators of environmental sustainability were not significantly considered during waste generation and disposal. The lack of consideration for environmental sustainability have caused generation of varying extent of wastes among income groups in Uyo metropolis.It was therefore recommended that the Ministry of Environment should increase its advocacy on the gains of waste reduction and separation into recyclable and non-recyclable items, the hazards associated with indiscriminate disposal of waste and the need for enhancing sustainable development.
Stakeholders should also endeavour to heed to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by-laws to curbs the influence of waste on environmental sustainability.