Improper Domestic Waste Collection and Disposal Activities in the FCT-Abuja: Implications for environmental health and social wellbeing of the residents of Bwari Area Council, Abuja

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/11/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 6 (2026)

Article No.

005

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67693/BJCR-Z8G2HX2N

Received

02 Oct 2026

Views

23

Downloads

12

Abstract

Improper waste collection and disposal practices have become both social and environmental problems in Nigeria. Indiscriminate refuse dumps are found by roads, rivers and many open spaces in cities and towns, resulting in environmental health hazards to the people. Despite various government efforts in the waste sector, it has been a sour story of ineffective waste management services. This study therefore, investigates the domestic waste storage collection and disposal practices, and consequences of improper waste activities in Bwari Area Council, one of the six (6) area councils in the FCT. A statistical research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire in data collection from 384 sample size attained from Freud and Williams statistical formula. However, a return rate of 95% was achieved with 365 respondents through a stratified and systematic random sampling techniques. This study found that there is lack of usage of approved government waste disposal receptacle (waste bins); waste collection and disposal practices are done majorly through the informal sector (mai boola or mai sharra) in contravention of the rules and regulations guiding the solid waste management system in FCT; and, improper waste disposal activities lead to social and environmental health risks for the public. Therefore, the study recommends the provision of approved waste receptacle to residents of the FCT with a two years repayment plan; formalised the activities of the informal waste collectors (mai boola or mai sharra); and privatise the business of waste collection and disposal in the FCT.

License

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.