Knowledge,attitudes and practices of garbage disposal

“Proper garbage disposal”, which means environmental friendly discard of unwanted or undesired material or substances, is necessary to maintain a healthy environment and upgrade the health status of all living beings.

There are several methods practicing for this purpose;

1. Compost bin -composting

2. Open dumping

3. bio gas production -bio gas plant

4. bio fertilizer process

5. non-degradable products -plastic recycling

6. waste separation containers

7. sanitary land filling

Though these methods are available, we can see people dispose garbage improperly . “The unsustainable management of chemicals and hazardous wastes is exacting a heavy toll on human health.” [Page 16; Children in the New Millennium-Environmental Impact on Health; UNEP, UNICEF and WHO- 2002 ]

There are many undesired consequences that affect human health.

Eg.;

In 2010 Dengue deaths – Gall District 1043

Dysentery deaths –Gall District 226

[Ref: Sri Lanka Epidemiology Unit (http://www.epid.gov.ik)]

When we consider urban and rural areas it is obvious that environmental pollution is more in urban areas. Major factor involves in this seems to be the difference in their garbage disposal methods, among urban and rural population.

This fact may leads someone to presume that whether this improper garbage disposal methods, are using due to difference of knowledge and attitudes of two population living in urban and rural areas- “A substantial number of households in areas without waste collection expect local authorities to collect their waste. The study also reveals that there is a high willingness of people for home composting.” [Municipal solid waste management in the southern province of Sri Lanka, problems, issues and challenges-2006; Chandana K Vidanaarachchi, Samuel T.S.Yuen & Sumith Pillapitiya.]

Or

Is it due to the fact that the rural people have more land- “Urgent and immediate improvement of the waste disposal sites is necessary to meet the current demand for improved waste collection.” [Municipal solid waste management in the southern province of Sri Lanka, problems, issues and challenges-2006; Chandana K Vidanaarachchi, Samuel T.S.Yuen & Sumith Pillapitiya.]