Abstract
Background: The illegal dumping of solid waste is a widespread problem in Nigeria, affecting various states. Lagos State, in particular, grapples with waste disposal issues stemming from urbanisation, public perceptions of waste management, inadequate education, and poor disposal practices. Ineffective municipal solid waste (MSW) collection rates further exacerbate this problem, making it challenging to combat illegal dumping effectively. This study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 of Sustainable Cities, which aims to minimise the negative environmental impacts of MSW management by 2030. The study aimed to assess the environmental and health consequences of illegal solid waste dumping in Lagos State. The objectives included evaluating public attitudes toward illegal dumping, examining the extent of environmental degradation caused by illegal waste disposal, assessing health risks associated with exposure to illegally dumped waste, and investigating the potential connection between illegal dumping and prevalent diseases in Lagos State.
Methods: We employed a quantitative approach to gather data; this involved collecting information on demographics, educational backgrounds, waste management, and environmental and health concerns. We used computer-assisted self-administered questionnaires utilising Google Forms. We employed a mixed sampling method that combined cluster and convenience sampling, allowing a focus on communities impacted by illegal dumping. We determined a sample size of 110 participants; however, 125 participants took part in the study. The questionnaires were administered through a Google Form link shared across various online platforms. We analysed the primary data using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.
Results and Discussion: The study participants represent a diverse cross-section of individuals living in Lagos. We uncovered distinct patterns in public attitudes toward illegal dumping, with notable differences across age groups but less significant variation between genders and educational backgrounds. The study demonstrated that illegal dumping has profound environmental consequences, contributing to soil and water contamination, air pollution, aesthetic degradation and poses flood risks to the region. The study revealed various waste types were found among illegally dumped materials, with paper waste being the most prevalent. Other significant contributors included plastic waste, rubber waste (especially tires), glass waste, textile waste, wood waste, metal waste, construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, and electronic waste. The inferential analysis established significant associations between environmental degradation and the disposal of various waste types, such as food scraps and garden waste, plastic waste, rubber waste, textile waste, wood waste, metal waste, construction and demolition waste and hazardous waste. However, we did not find strong associations between environmental degradation and the disposal of glass waste, medical and pharmaceutical waste, and electronic waste. Exposure to illegally dumped waste in Lagos State is perceived by study participants to be of considerable health risks, contributing significantly to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues, vector-borne diseases, especially malaria, gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, skin infections and hazardous chemical exposure. The perceived health risks are consistent with known facts and supported by existing research. In conclusion, the study's findings emphasised a link between illegal dumping and people's attitudes, environmental degradation, and diseases prevalent in Lagos State. These results can inform policymakers and relevant departments in developing effective strategies to enhance public health and address the challenges associated with illegal dumping. Our study thus contributes to the broader goal of achieving more sustainable waste management practices in Lagos State.