Evaluation of urban solid-waste generation and safety consciousness of waste collectors amidst COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study investigates solid-waste handling practices by municipal waste collectors during COVID-19 pandemic period in Osogbo urban areas with the intention of assessing measures put in place for preventing possible spread of the disease. Data for the study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data were acquired through questionnaire administration on the 5% of waste collectors selected through snowball technique of chain referral. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Adopted under this technique are cross-tabulation, percentages, index that was used determine waste generation (WGI), and protective material index (PMI) used by waste collectors before and during the lockdown periods. The result showed that rate of waste generation before the pandemic was WGI = 0.69 and during the pandemic was WGI = 0.75. The use of protective materials before COVID-19 was PMI = 2.9 as against (PMI = 3.58) during the lockdown period, with face mask recorded lowest occurrence of use (PMI = − 2.91). Crude materials that cannot guarantee the safety of waste collectors are used for transfer of waste into disposal vehicle. The study concludes that solid-waste collectors in the study area are not adequately catered for during COVID-19 pandemic.

FDM-based additive manufacturing of recycled thermoplastics and associated composites

“…1 . Moreover, the extended use of single-use plastic products for personal protective equipment (PPEs) during the COVID-19 global pandemic has made the situation more critical [ 5 , 6 ]. It is reported that 65 billion gloves and 129 billion face masks were globally used in a single month, which ominously increased the plastic generation per day [ 7 ].…”

Appraisal of solid waste generation in secondary schools towards sensitisation on environmental quality and education

“…Among the environmental consequences of poor management of solid waste especially, plastic and nylon are the occurrence of flooding in some cities of the world particularly in the developing countries (Olanrewaju et al, 2019). Thus, for the consideration of our environment, waste generated must be stored, sorted into categories, collected and transported for disposal towards possible treatment and sustainability of the quality of our environment (Laor et al, 2018;Nyampundu et al, 2020;Adeniyi and Afon, 2022;Adeniyi et al, 2022b).…”

“…, 2019). Thus, for the consideration of our environment, waste generated must be stored, sorted into categories, collected and transported for disposal towards possible treatment and sustainability of the quality of our environment (Laor et al ., 2018; Nyampundu et al ., 2020; Adeniyi and Afon, 2022; Adeniyi et al. , 2022b).…”

“…Similarly, Adeniyi et al. (2022a, b) determined the effects of seasons of the year on the quantity and composition of solid waste emanated from different activity areas of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and arrived on types of waste generated across different land uses. Such study investigating the quantity and composition of solid in secondary schools of developing counties are few and not holistic to deal with environmental condition in secondary schools.…”