The Risk of Residing in Proximity to Illegal Waste Dump Site in Sabon Wuse, North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial distribution of solid waste dump sites in the study area, established the residents’ perceived level of exposure to solid waste hazards, and the effect of living near refuse dump sites. Systematic random sampling technique was used to administer 500 questionnaires to the households in the study area. The result of the study indicated that there is only one legal dump site located in Buntu area; there are 19 illegal dump sites within the town. The proliferation of illegal dumpsite was as a result of convenience and open spaces within the town. The most frequently used method of waste disposal is on weekly basis. The use of plastic bucket is favoured for storage. The level of health risk associated with living close to dumpsite shows a total of 878 houses are at the severe risk, while, 1,898 houses are at mild risk level. The study concludes that There should be a total clearance of the existing illegal dump site and proper monitoring of the waste management in the town to forestall illegal dumping, and adequate information to residents and awareness on the danger of consequences of indiscriminate dumping of refuse in an undesignated dump site.