Authors:
Mercy Adesola Daramola

Addresses:
Department of Science Education, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Effective waste management is a critical component of environmental sustainability, particularly within university environments where daily activities generate substantial quantities of waste. This study examined the factors influencing waste disposal behaviour among undergraduate students at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI), Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the roles of waste disposal facilities, student awareness of environmental impacts, and institutional support for waste management. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 300 undergraduate students selected across colleges and departments using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that although waste disposal facilities were generally available on campus, their distribution and maintenance were inconsistent, thereby affecting effective utilisation. Students demonstrated moderate to high awareness of the environmental and health implications of improper waste disposal; however, a noticeable gap existed between awareness and actual disposal practices. Institutional support, particularly through policies, monitoring, and sensitisation campaigns, significantly influenced responsible waste disposal behaviour. The study concluded that effective campus waste management requires an integrated approach combining adequate infrastructure, sustained environmental education, and strong institutional commitment. 

Keywords: Waste Disposal Behaviour; Waste Management; Student Awareness; Facility Distribution; Institutional Support; Environmental Sustainability; Sustainable Practices.

Received on: 01/01/2025, Revised on: 07/03/2025, Accepted on: 03/06/2025, Published on: 16/12/2025

DOI: 10.69888/FTSESS.2025.000557

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Environmental Sciences, 2025 Vol. 2 No. 4, Pages: 227-236

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