Knowledge, attitude and practice towards waste disposal among the residents of Pallisa Town Council - Pallisa District

Abstract

The study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards waste disposal among residents of Pallisa Town Council, Pallisa District. The specific objectives were to determine the knowledge towards waste disposal among residents, to investigate the attitude towards waste disposal among residents and to establish the practices towards waste disposal among residents of Pallisa T/C. The descriptive research design was used to obtain information concerning the status of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the residents and also describe what exists with respect to the situations on the ground concerning waste disposal. The study population was 2,120 and the sample size was 336 people, however, 254 participated giving a response rate of 75.6%. Respondents constituted residents, town council staff, residents and local leaders who were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The findings of the study indicated that there is a significant positive relationship between knowledge of resident and waste disposal, (r =.562**, p<.01),attitude towards waste disposal (r = .522**, p<.01),and practices of residents towards waste disposal (r = .523**, p<01). Multiple regression analysis indicates that up to r 2 = 0.406 (40.6%), was accounted for by the independent variables included in the model. The study concluded that enhancing the knowledge level of residents, and also them having a positive attitude, including the practices thereto significantly improves waste disposal. The study recommended that The authorities need to sensitize the residents and business operators on the dangers of not adhering to safety precautions when handling waste. Secondly, the community should adopt a self-help approach to solve the problem. Much can be achieved when the various communities mobilize themselves and organize periodic clean up exercises and by contributing financially to support the exercise, the residents can also act as watch dogs and make sure that they themselves adhere to proper waste disposal practices. Finally, the authorities need to help the residents improve the practices of storage, collection and disposal, including initiating reuse-recycling.