Roles and Barriers to Waste Management among Garbage Collectors in Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Efficient waste management continues to be a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and other developing nations owing to a number of factors facing the personnel of waste management authorities, potentially leading to a disruption in the environment.

Aim: To investigate the waste management roles and barriers faced by municipal waste collectors in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State.

Study Design: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Port Harcourt metropolis, River State, Nigeria over a six month period.

Methodology: The study was conducted among 302 municipal waste collectors through cluster random sampling, using pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data entry and analysis were done using MS-Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and proportions.

Results: All study participants were males aged 20 years and above. They collected and sorted waste from both approved and unapproved receptacles. However, poor waste segregation at households, collection and processing practices, disruptive activities of scavengers, use of old, frequently dysfunctional equipment, poor training and insufficient remuneration/welfare and lack of public support were identified as the existing challenges faced by the garbage collectors.

Conclusion: Unified efforts from relevant stakeholders such as households, organized private sector and the government are required to surmount the challenges faced by waste collectors. This will lead to the implementation of measures which could significantly promote sustainable development and environmental protection.