Implications and Causes of Illegal Refuse Dumps in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State

This study examined the implications and causes of illegal refuse dumps in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study were all the people in Ilorin South Local Government Area. A sample of 500 respondents was randomly selected from the various wards in the local government area. Questionnaire was the instrument utilized for the study; the questionnaire was validated by 3 experts in Medical field, Health Education and in Environmental Health Education. Its reliability was also tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficiency and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.05. The Questionnaire was administered on the subject and data elicited from the respondents were analyzed through non-parametric method of Chi-square. Four hypotheses were formulated for the study which were all rejected, proving the point that illegal dumping of refuse had significant effects on Health, Environment, Economic and Social Status of the society. It was also discovered that illegal dumping of refuse are caused by bad attitudes and practices of people towards refuse disposal. Based on these findings the researcher recommended that effective and adequate enlightenment on the implications and causes of illegal refuse dumps. Bills of waste management should be made affordable for all classes of people. Sanctions on illegal refuse dumping should be implemented always whenever there are violations. Abandoned properties and land should be developed and waste management agencies should work effectively in all areas.