Improper solid waste disposal and the risk of urban flooding: impact and management strategies

Across the world, inefficient waste management systems and rapid urbanization have caused the accumulation of waste in drainage channels. Hence, this study addressed the problem of improper solid waste disposal (ISWD) habits of people in urban environments, and its impact on urban flooding. The specific objectives were to examine the impact of ISWD; resident's awareness level; types of solid waste disposed of; and mitigating strategies. Survey and observational were used, with questionnaire and pictures as data collection instruments. Stratified sampling techniques was used to sample of 212 residents in the study area. While percentages, bar and pie charts, and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were the tools used for data analysis. Findings revealed that awareness level of residents on the contribution of ISWD to urban flooding is below 50%; 48% and 37% of residents' dispose of mostly plastic and cellophanes/nylons respectively; while others accounted for 15%. Findings also showed a high impact of ISWD on urban flooding. Strategies such as proper solid waste management, construction of better drainage channels, and environmental sanitation amongst others were suggested as strategies for mitigating the impact of ISWD on urban flooding. Participants may have given desirable responses instead of truthful ones. Secondly, survey research often collect data at surface level, rather than in-depth information, these could affect the reliability of the results. The findings have raised a red alarm to urban authorities/governments, on the implications of irresponsible solid waste disposal. It will also highlight the cost of human negligence in waste management to public sectors and experts. The authors' declare that this study is an original research that addresses a devastating environmental problem ‘flooding in urban environments.