ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PATTERN OF SELLERS IN MILE ONE MARKET, PORT HARCOURT CITY RIVERS STATE
ABSTRACT
The study sought to assess the solid waste disposal pattern of sellers in Mile One Market Port Harcourt in order to: identify the solid waste disposal habits of sellers, determine the frequency of clearing dumpsters from the market, determine accessibility of waste dumpsters to market sellers and ascertain if the pattern of waste disposal significantly vary from different section of the markets. Data were obtained through interviews, questionnaires and on the spot observation. A total of 290 questionnaires were distributed to the market sellers and 256 were properly filled and returned giving a return rate of 88.3%. Thirty questionnaires were issued to the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA) staff; and 30 questionnaires were properly filled and returned giving a return rate of 100%. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA).Findings revealed that waste disposal pattern of sellers significantly vary with sellers’ accessibility to waste dumpsters at the Mile One Market at p < 0.05; Again, the results showed that the pattern of waste disposal does not significantly vary among the different sections of the market at p > 0.05. Findings revealed that 11% of the sellers dump their refuse at the dumpster while 89% dump their refuse at open spaces, by roadside and drainages. Thirty eight percentages (38%) of sellers evacuate their waste daily and about 62% evacuate their waste twice a week and weekly. Only 22% of market sellers have easy access to waste dumpster. The study recommended provision of more waste disposal facilities, improved sellers-agency cooperation and adoption of integrated approach that recognizes the various stakeholders and elements necessary for a sustainable waste disposal practices in the market.