ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN A UNIVERSITY STAFF RESIDENCE: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN JUNIOR STAFF QUARTERS, UGBOWO CAMPUS, BENIN CITY.

Solid waste management remains a critical environmental and public health challenge within university environments, especially in residential staff quarters where large quantities of solid waste are generated on a daily basis but there is lack of proper management practices. Hence this study aims investigate the solid waste management practices in the junior staff quarters located within the University of Benin. The study employed quantification and characterization of household waste at the point of generation, collection of data with the aid of structured questionnaires and an observational checklist. Data were collected from the residents of the junior staff quarters over a seven day period to determine the rate and composition of waste generation among the residents of the staff quarters. Descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaires. A pilot test and a reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha was also conducted to validate the clarity of the questionnaire items and to ensure the internal consistency and dependability of the questionnaire.Results obtained from the questionnaire showed that waste disposal posed a major challenge in the university of Benin Junior Staff Quarters as 97% residents reported there was no waste point availability, 75% reported that the waste collection frequency was irregular and 78% of residents reported that they did not pra tice waste segregation in the junior staff quarters. Observational checklists revealed that solid waste generated by residents were stored in open containers and sack bags with frequent spillage and noncollection. Waste characterization further showed that organic waste constituted the largest
portion (64.64%), nylon constituting 12.98% plastic constituting 5.96% Miscellaeneous constituting 11.1% metal and paper constituting the lowest with 4.43% and 0.89%
respectively