Strategies for Enhancing Solid Waste Management Practices in Urban Secondary Schools in Developing Countries

Abstract

Effective solid waste management in urban secondary schools in developing countries is essential for mitigating environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal. This manuscript examines current practices and proposes strategies to enhance solid waste management in these educational settings. Current practices include efforts to reduce packaging materials, promote recycling and composting initiatives, utilize sorting and processing technologies, and implement anaerobic digestion for organic waste treatment. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and insufficient awareness among students and staff hinder effective waste management. This study also investigates current solid waste generation rates specific to urban secondary schools, highlighting variability influenced by factors like population density and consumption patterns. The environmental impact of poor waste management includes pollution of air, soil, and water, as well as habitat. Health concerns arise from disease transmission due to breeding grounds for vectors like mosquitoes in stagnant water and exposure to hazardous chemicals from improperly managed waste. To address these challenges, comprehensive strategies are proposed, encompassing infrastructure development, educational programs integrating waste management into the curriculum, community engagement, and policy advocacy. These strategies aim to promote sustainable practices, improve waste segregation, enhance recycling rates, and reduce the overall environmental footprint of urban secondary schools in developing countries. Implementation of these strategies is crucial for fostering a cleaner, healthier environment and empowering future generations with environmental stewardship values.