Introductory Chapter: Overview of Household Hazardous Waste Management in the African Context

Mmereki, Daniel; Li, Baizhan; Liu, Hong; Baldwin, Andrew

doi:10.5772/66307

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 12 publications

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“…In Africa, the lack of proper systems for managing household and other hazardous waste leads to improper disposal of items like paint, batteries, household cleaners, and pesticides. These substances are often discarded down sewers or with municipal waste, posing environmental and human health risks (Edokpayi et al, 2017;Mmereki et al, 2017).…”

Section: Solid Waste Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Africa Environment Outlook for Business: Our Environment Our Health

2023

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AEO for Business aims to identify and document options for stimulating the linkages between business and environmental sustainability in Africa while augmenting their benefits to people, nature, and economies and achieving SDGs. This includes analysing sustainable consumption and production and transforming markets through four thematic sectors: sustainable agriculture, sustainable eco-tourism, sustainable manufacturing and integrated waste management. This is in addition to several cross-cutting areas such as water, energy, eco-innovation, sustainable trade, and labelling and standards, including in the context of post-COVID-19 green and more inclusive socio-economic recovery interventions (UNEP, 2023). This report’s preparation adopts an integrated approach with well-illustrated interlinkages between the environment and opportunities for green Business as the underlying theme.

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Section: Solid Waste Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Africa Environment Outlook for Business: Our Environment Our Health

2023

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Household Hazardous Waste: Gauging Knowledge Level and Its Implication for Domestic Waste Handling and Disposal Practices

Dagadu,

Sagoe,

Oteng-Ababio

2024

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Household hazardous waste (HHW) refers to waste generated at the household level that can pose a danger to public and environmental health if not managed properly. The amount of waste, including HHW, has been increasing due to urbanisation, rising income levels, and changes in lifestyles. Unfortunately, most households are not aware of the potential risks associated with this waste, despite the serious health and environmental hazards it can pose. This creates a conundrum which this study seeks to unpack. A mixed-method approach addressed this gap, including a policy dialogue and a survey of 1,245 Greater Accra Metropolitan Area respondents. From the findings, most respondents disposed of aerosol cans, disposable sharps, unused or expired medication/drugs, fluorescent tubes and LED bulbs, and electronic waste as part of their household waste. Significantly, it was concerning that 68% of participants were unaware of the potential health hazards associated with improper disposal of HHW. Based on empirical evidence, the awareness levels were affected by gender, education level, and occupation. To address the issue of HHW and reduce its harmful impact on the environment and public health, it is essential to implement policies that encourage waste segregation, establish product stewardship programs, and conduct targeted education campaigns. These actions will help raise awareness about the significance of proper HHW disposal. Additionally, it is vital to have a strong political will to effectively enforce legislation that supports the shift towards more sustainable waste management practices, thus promoting sustainable development.

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Introductory Chapter: Overview of Household Hazardous Waste Management in the African Context

Cited by 2 publications

References 12 publications

Africa Environment Outlook for Business: Our Environment Our Health

Africa Environment Outlook for Business: Our Environment Our Health

Household Hazardous Waste: Gauging Knowledge Level and Its Implication for Domestic Waste Handling and Disposal Practices

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