Assessment of plastic waste management awareness and practices in Kammengo Sub-County Secondary Schools, Mpigi District

Abstract

Waste management is a critical environmental issue, especially with the increasing production and disposal of plastic materials. Effective plastic waste management requires awareness and appropriate practices among community members, including students and educators in secondary schools. Understanding the factors that influence waste management behaviors is essential for developing effective interventions and promoting sustainable practices. This study examined the awareness and practices related to plastic waste management among secondary school students in Kammengo Sub-County, Mpigi District. It aimed to assess knowledge, practices, barriers, and the relationship between training and waste management behaviors. The study involved 252 students and teachers through a cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods approach. Data collection included a self-administered questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings indicated a lack of formal sensitization or training on plastic waste management. Specifically, 60% of respondents lacked proper knowledge of waste disposal, and 45% admitted to indiscriminate dumping. Additionally, 60% of schools had inadequate waste collection facilities, often resulting in waste being mixed, dumped in open spaces, or burned. These practices contributed to blocked drainage systems and increased mosquito breeding, thereby exacerbating malaria prevalence. Correlation analysis revealed a weak but significant positive relationship (r = 0.172, p = 0.003) between receiving training and perceptions of adequate waste disposal at school. However, no significant associations were found between training and waste separation practices (r = 0.054, p = 0.397) or timely waste collection (r = 0.063, p = 0.159). These results suggest that training alone did not consistently lead to behavioral change or improved practices. It is concluded that significant gaps exist in waste management practices in Kammengo Sub-County, primarily resulting from limited awareness, insufficient resources, and weak enforcement of regulations. To address these issues, it is recommended that policy interventions need to be implemented to strengthen environmental education, improve infrastructure, promote stakeholder collaboration, and enforce waste management regulations. These measures aim to enhance waste management practices and mitigate health risks associated with plastic waste.