Environmental Awareness
Most respondents understood the dangers of poor waste disposal for health and the environment.
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Research Contribution · Environment & Public Health
Exposure, Perception and Practice of Solid Waste Management Among University Undergraduate Students in Anambra State
A study of how undergraduate students in Anambra State understand, perceive and practise solid waste management — and what closes the gap between awareness and everyday behaviour.
Executive Summary
What this study sets out, and what it finds.
The study examines how university undergraduate students in Anambra State understand, perceive and practise solid waste management.
While awareness of environmental and health risks is generally high among students, proper waste management behaviours do not always match that awareness.
The findings highlight the importance of combining education, infrastructure and institutional support to improve environmental outcomes.
Environmental responsibility requires both knowledge and practical systems that make responsible behaviour easier to choose.
Why This Matters
For citizens, institutions and communities.
- Cleaner communities reduce disease risks.
- Environmental awareness alone does not guarantee action.
- Public institutions must provide proper waste management infrastructure.
- Universities can model responsible environmental behaviour for surrounding communities.
- Environmental protection is both a public health issue and a civic responsibility.
Key Findings
Five takeaways from the research.
Behaviour Gap
Knowledge did not always translate into responsible everyday waste management practices.
Infrastructure Matters
Availability of bins, collection points and disposal services strongly influenced behaviour.
Community Impact
Poor waste management was linked to wider concerns around health, sanitation and environmental quality.
Education Opportunity
Targeted environmental education can shift long-term attitudes and improve outcomes.
CSC Perspective
Environmental stewardship is a civic responsibility. Communities thrive when citizens understand the impact of waste management, public health practices and environmental accountability. Research such as this helps translate complex issues into practical lessons for everyday life.
- Author
- Uchechukwu Enem, Environmental & Health Advocate | Research Contributor
- Source
- EJAMSS · Vol. 7, No. 2 (2026)
- Published
- March 2026
- Permanent URL
- citizensocialcontract.org/knowledge-hub/solid-waste-management-anambra
- Suggested Citation
- Enem, U. (2026). Exposure, Perception and Practice of Solid Waste Management Among University Undergraduate Students in Anambra State. EJAMSS · Vol. 7, No. 2 (2026).