Waste Management Practices and Their Public Health Implications in Some Selected Markets in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Abstract

This study assessed waste management practices and their public health implications in selected markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Rapid urbanization and commercial activities in major markets such as Wuse, Garki, Gwagwalada, and Kuje have resulted in increased waste generation, yet management practices remain inadequate. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 382 respondents using structured questionnaires, interviews with market officials and environmental personnel, and direct field observations. Findings revealed that organic waste constituted the highest proportion of market waste (46.3%), followed by plastics (28.0%) and paper waste (12.0%), reflecting the predominance of food-related trading activities. Waste management practices were largely substandard, with 52.0% of traders engaging in open dumping, while only 30.0% used waste bins. Recycling was minimally practiced across all stakeholder groups. Awareness of the health risks of improper waste disposal was moderately high (61.0%); however, this did not translate into appropriate waste handling behaviors. Public health implications were evident as 47.5% of respondents reported vector-borne diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and cholera linked to poor market sanitation, while respiratory infections (18.8%) and gastrointestinal illnesses (12.5%) were also reported. The study concludes that poor waste management practices in FCT markets significantly compromise environmental hygiene and increase disease risks among traders and consumers. Strengthening institutional capacity, improving waste infrastructure, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting public awareness and behavioral change are essential for achieving sustainable market sanitation and safeguarding public health in Abuja.