Waste can be defined as the as material, substance or by-product that is eliminated or discarded because it is no longer useful or required after the completion of a process. Waste disposal can simply be defined as how waste is managed. Improper waste disposal can be defined as when waste is disposed in such a way that it can cause dangers to the environment .
Improper waste disposal in Nigeria is how waste is not managed properly in Nigeria. There are different causes of improper waste disposal in Nigeria.
1. Lack of public awareness: Majority of the public are not aware of the importance of efficient and proper waste disposal because they do not have knowledge about the consequences of improper waste disposal and its negative long term effects on the environment.
2. Lack of Proper Machinery and Equipment: There are little machinery that are used for waste management therefore making the process of proper waste disposal strenuous .
3. Refusal to Compliance: Some citizens may refuse to comply with the law and dispose their waste as they so wish.
Effects of improper waste disposal
1. Obstruction of drains: When wastes are not disposed of properly, it will cause blockage of drains. Although this may seem as a very small effect, it may cause large problems such as flood because the flow of water into the drains will be stopped due to the obstruction of the drains .
2. Land and Water Pollution: Improper waste disposal causes pollution of land and water bodies because the harmful gases that these wastes emit goes into the atmosphere and can cause hazardous effects on people. Wastes can also be dumped in water bodies thereby clouding the surface of the water and reduces the amount of oxygen and sunlight entering the water leading to death of aquatic animals and plants.
3. Climate change: When these waste materials emit harmful gases into the atmosphere , it causes climate change. Climate change is the long term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Climate change causes drought, fires , stress to ecosystems and so on.
SOLUTIONS
1. There should awareness program on the dangers of improper waste disposal and benefits of proper waste disposal.
2. There should be heavy penalties on those who pollute the land and water bodies.
3. Government should provide modernized waste management equipment and machinery.