Impact of Indiscriminate Solid Waste Disposal on Human Health in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

The generation and disposal of solid waste is an intrinsic part of any developing society.  Generation of waste in large volume does not constitute a problem but inability to dispose them off on time and properly by individuals and governments.  This study examine the impact of indiscriminate solid waste disposal on human health in Akungba-Akoko.  Information on impact of indiscriminate solid waste disposal was obtained using a total of 250 copies of questionnaire administered to residents using random sampling technique.  Descriptive statistics were used to present and analyse the data while chi-square was used to test the hypothesis.  The study revealed that there are various methods used in disposing solid waste such as open dumpsite, in drains and streets, into streams and river channels, nearby bush, burning and excavation by waste management.  The study also revealed that there are various health issues resulting from improper disposal and poor management of solid waste in Akungba-Akoko such as infectious diseases among people, air-borne diseases, breeding place for disease vectors and contamination of food and water.  This paper recommends that as means of improving solid waste management, environmental education and public participation in environmental sanitation exercise should be encourage and waste management agencies should established more waste disposal points so as to overcome the problem of waste disposal points to resident’s home