Responsible Environmental Behaviour: An Observational Study of Packaging of Household Generated Waste for Disposal in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Improper waste disposal by one individual affects the entire citizenry. Government had advocated for the proper packaging of domestic waste at the household levels for the purposes of protecting the waste material being release into the environment especially during transit and for ease of collection of waste material especially at the waste collection centres. This paper assessed the practice of packaging household generated waste for disposal at Government designated waste collection centres. An observational (with non-participation) method was adopted. A total of 854 observations were made within the study period. A score of 100 marks was alloted to correct waste disposal practice and wrong waste disposal practices was given a score of 0 marks. Findings indicate that the behaviour of individuals to always properly package their household generated waste for disposal at designated collection points/centers are low. This study recommended increased awareness in creating positive environmental behaviour amongst citizens.