Residents’ Awareness, Participation, and Satisfaction With Solid Waste Management Services: A Comparative Study of Port Harcourt and Owerri, Nigeria

Bello; S. O.; Youdeowei; P. O.; Essi; I. D.; Ayotamuno; A.

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.12.no7.2026.pg84.95

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Residents’ Awareness, Participation, and Satisfaction With Solid Waste Management Services: A Comparative Study of Port Harcourt and Owerri, Nigeria

Bello, S. O., Youdeowei, P. O., Essi, I. D., Ayotamuno, A.

Abstract

This study examined residents’ awareness, participation, and satisfaction with solid waste management services in Port Harcourt and Owerri, Nigeria. The study adopted a comparative cross-sectional survey design and employed a quantitative research approach using structured questionnaires administered to households selected through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including independent-samples t-tests, normality tests, and multivariate analysis of variance . The findings revealed that residents in Port Harcourt demonstrated significantly higher awareness of solid waste management practices (Mean = 5.93) compared with residents in Owerri (Mean = 5.37), with the difference being statistically significant (t = 2.548, p = 0.011). Household participation in waste management activities was also higher in Port Harcourt (Mean = 2.35) than in Owerri (Mean = 1.71). Furthermore, Port Harcourt recorded significantly higher effectiveness scores in waste collection and disposal services. MANOVA results indicated significant differences between the two cities in overall waste management effectiveness (Pillai’s Trace = 0.170, F(3,296) = 15.124, p < 0.001), while univariate analyses showed significant differences in collection effectiveness (F = 28.417, p < 0.001) and disposal effectiveness (F = 31.906, p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in transportation effectiveness (p = 0.423). The study concludes that Port Harcourt exhibits a more effective solid waste management system than Owerri, characterized by higher public awareness, greater resident participation, and better performance in waste collection and disposal services. The study recommends enhanced public sensitization, improved waste collection infrastructure, stronger community participation, and increased investment in sustainable waste disposal systems to improve waste management outcomes in both cities.

Keywords

Solid Waste ManagementAwarenessParticipationSatisfactionWaste CollectionWaste DisposalPort HarcourtOwerriNigeria.

References

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Residents’ Awareness, Participation, and Satisfaction With Solid Waste Management Services: A Comparative Study of Port Harcourt and Owerri, Nigeria

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