Public awareness on solid waste management: A case study in Al-Nassyriah City, Iraq

Abstract

Lack of awareness and mismanagement on solid waste are the main causes of present human health damage and ecosystem quality deterioration. This study was designed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of local residents concerning solid waste management in Al-Nassyriah City of Iraq. Primary data were collected from local residents through questionnaire and interview. A total of 1,794 questionnaires were completed by the respondents that were randomly selected from 12 suburban areas located in Al-Nassyriah City. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was performed among local communities and results were analyzed by using SPSS software. Results from the survey showed that 67% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current practice of solid waste management in their city. The results also showed that low-level of knowledge on relevant laws and regulations pertaining to solid waste was observed among respondents. Although half of the respondents were aware about the importance of managing solid waste, however, most of them failed to put their knowledge and awareness into practice. Therefore, extensive and continuous efforts by various stakeholders are urgently needed to enhance public awareness towards sustainable solid waste management in developing countries, particularly in Al-Nassyriah City, Iraq.