1.1 Introduction
Solid waste refers to unwanted or discarded materials such as food remains, plastics, papers, bottles, cans and other household refuse. It is commonly generated from homes, commercial activities, institutions and other human activities. Residential solid waste is particularly important because households produce waste daily, and its proper storage, collection and disposal are necessary for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment (WHO, 2022). The increasing generation of household waste has made proper disposal an important environmental concern. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, residents still depend on methods such as open dumping, burning and disposal in drains or vacant spaces. These practices may contaminate the air, soil and water and may also encourage flooding and the spread of disease. Studies in Nigerian residential areas have similarly reported continued reliance on unsustainable waste disposal methods (Fakunle, 2024).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Historically, solid waste disposal is closely connected with the growth of human settlements. In early communities, waste generation was relatively low, and much of the waste consisted of biodegradable materials that decomposed naturally. Households commonly disposed of refuse in open spaces, pits, gardens, or areas away from settlements. According to Olukoju (2018), waste handling in traditional Yoruba society was influenced by household activities, community organisation, cultural practices, and the nature of available resources. As settlements expanded, however, waste became more difficult to manage because increasing population and changing lifestyles produced larger quantities and different types of waste.
Solid waste according to World Health Organization refers to garbage, refuse, trash, or other discarded materials generated through human activities. In residential buildings, solid waste mainly consists of food remnants, plastics, papers, bottles, cans, packaging materials, ash and other unwanted household items. The growing volume of household waste has made its management an important environmental and public health concern, particularly in developing countries where waste collection systems may not adequately serve growing communities (WHO, 2022). According to Fakunle (2024), household solid waste management in Nigeria remains a major concern because indiscriminate disposal continues to occur in many communities. Similarly, household waste is often disposed of through open dumping, burning, disposal in drains and other informal methods. These practices are influenced by factors such as inadequate waste collection services, limited disposal facilities, household income, environmental awareness and residents' attitudes. The problem is therefore not only the quantity of waste generated but also the manner in which households store and dispose of it.
In the same vein, Kaza et al. (2018) reported that rapid population growth, urbanisation and changing consumption patterns are major factors contributing to increasing solid waste generation worldwide. Residential buildings contribute significantly to this problem because waste is generated every day through cooking, cleaning, shopping and other domestic activities. When waste is not properly managed, it may accumulate around houses and residential streets, creating unpleasant surroundings and reducing the quality of the living environment. Furthermore, inadequate waste collection may encourage residents to resort to cheaper and more convenient disposal methods, including dumping waste in unauthorised locations.
The World Bank (2024) articulated that Nigeria faces significant challenges in its municipal solid waste management sector, including inadequate collection services and reliance on informal disposal practices. Available household survey data show that many households have historically depended on disposal within compounds, burning and informal disposal in bushes, streets and waterways. Likewise, Xu (2024) asserted that environmental regulations and the provision of waste bins influence household waste disposal behaviour in Nigeria. The study found that regulation alone is not sufficient where appropriate waste facilities are unavailable.
Ononuju et al. (2024) observed that household attitudes and practices play an important role in determining how residents manage solid waste. Their study of residents in the University of Nigeria Nsukka Staff Quarters examined household attitudes and waste management practices, showing the importance of understanding residents' behaviour within specific residential settings. Similarly, Abubakar et al. (2020) reported that household waste disposal decisions in Nigeria are influenced by socioeconomic and household characteristics. Income, education, gender, household structure and access to disposal services may affect the choice of disposal method.
This study is set against the backdrop of persistent household waste generation, inadequate disposal facilities, irregular collection services and continued reliance on inappropriate disposal methods in many Nigerian residential environments.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that improper solid waste disposal remains a common problem in residential buildings, where household waste is often poorly stored, irregularly collected, dumped in open spaces, or burned. On the other hand, limited access to suitable waste bins and regular collection services makes proper disposal difficult for many residents.
Furthermore, challenges such as irregular waste collection, inadequate disposal facilities, collection costs, limited public awareness, weak enforcement and insufficient recycling facilities may affect residents' ability to manage household waste properly. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess solid waste disposal practices in residential buildings.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess solid waste disposal practices in residential buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The specific objectives of this research are to:
- Identify the common methods of solid waste disposal used by residents in residential buildings.
- Assess the availability and adequacy of solid waste disposal facilities in residential buildings.
- Examine the factors influencing residents' solid waste disposal practices.
- Determine the environmental and sanitation problems associated with improper solid waste disposal.
- Assess the challenges affecting proper solid waste disposal in residential buildings.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the common methods of solid waste disposal used by residents in residential buildings?
- How available and adequate are solid waste disposal facilities in residential buildings?
- What factors influence residents' solid waste disposal practices?
- What environmental and sanitation problems are associated with improper solid waste disposal?
- What challenges affect proper solid waste disposal in residential buildings?
1.6 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between the methods used by residents and their solid waste disposal practices in residential buildings.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the methods used by residents and their solid waste disposal practices in residential buildings.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The availability of solid waste disposal facilities has no significant effect on proper waste disposal practices in residential buildings.
- H1: The availability of solid waste disposal facilities has a significant effect on proper waste disposal practices in residential buildings.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There is no significant relationship between residents' socioeconomic factors and their solid waste disposal practices.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between residents' socioeconomic factors and their solid waste disposal practices.
Hypothesis Four
- H0: Improper solid waste disposal has no significant relationship with environmental and sanitation problems in residential buildings.
- H1: Improper solid waste disposal has a significant relationship with environmental and sanitation problems in residential buildings.
Hypothesis Five
- H0: Challenges affecting waste management have no significant effect on proper solid waste disposal in residential buildings.
- H1: Challenges affecting waste management have a significant effect on proper solid waste disposal in residential buildings.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will provide residents with simple information on safer ways of storing and disposing of household waste. The study will also provide information that supports improved sanitation and waste collection practices in residential buildings.
Furthermore, this research will provide environmental authorities with information on common disposal problems that require attention. It will also provide useful information on the availability and condition of waste disposal facilities in residential areas.
Lastly, the outcome of this research will provide useful reference material for students and researchers studying household waste management.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on the assessment of solid waste disposal practices in residential buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria. It covers the common methods residents use to dispose of household waste, availability of waste bins and collection facilities, factors influencing disposal practices, environmental and sanitation problems, and challenges affecting proper waste disposal. The study is limited to selected residential buildings within Lagos State.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Solid Waste:
Solid waste refers to unwanted or discarded materials generated from human activities, including household refuse, food waste, plastics, paper, glass and other materials (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).
Solid Waste Disposal:
Solid waste disposal refers to the process of getting rid of unwanted solid materials through methods such as collection, dumping, burning, recycling or controlled final disposal (Kaza et al., 2018).
Waste Management:
Waste management is the organised process of storing, collecting, transporting, treating, recovering and disposing of waste in a safe manner (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2024).
Residential Building:
A residential building is a structure designed and used mainly for people to live in, such as a house, apartment, flat or compound.
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