IOSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT) e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399. Volume 5, Issue 6 (Sep. - Oct. 2013), PP 46-50 www.Iosrjournals.Org www.iosrjournals.org 46 | Page Solid Waste Disposal Habits of Students in Nigerian Universities: A Case of University of Uyo, Nigeria Dr. Ekong E. Daniel *, Dr. Enefiok Ibok Faculty of Social and Management Sciences Akwa Ibom State University Obio Akpa Campus Oruk Anam L. G. A. Akwa Ibom State Nigeria Department of Public Administration Faculty of Social and Management Sciences Akwa Ibom State University Obio Akpa Campus Oruk Anam L. G. A. Akwa Ibom State Nigeria Abstract: House to house inspection around the University of Uyo and environs revealed apparently poor sanitary situation. This unhealthy environmental situation was largely blamed on unwholesome waste disposal habits of the students living in the neighborhood. The aim of this study was to investigate waste disposal habits of the students of the University of Uyo. Methodology employed questionnaire, interview and observation techniques. The study area was divided into three zones. A total of Ninety randomly selected houses were sampled, thirty in each of the three zones. Seventy-one percent of the houses in the study area accommodated students of the University. The environments where students were accommodated were generally poor as a result of the indiscriminate waste disposal habits of the university students. The remaining 29% that accommodated no student were judged above average. It is recommended that students irrespective of the course of study should be enlightened on environmental issues. Landlords must be encouraged to create circumstances that make for easy disposal of waste. Each home should have at least 3 different bins, properly labeled: waste to recycling; food wastes; wastes to dumping site. Home compost of leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable waste from kitchen is also recommended among others. The compost product can be added to vegetable garden and flower beds thereby reducing the need for artificial fertilizers and increasing garden productivity. Students in the university must be properly educated to take the lead in the course of environmental friendliness. Key words: Solid waste, waste disposal, university students, habits, University of Uyo, Nigeria I. Introduction All organisms produce wastes, but none produces so much or of such diverse composition as humans. In the early history of mankind, there was no problem in the disposal of domestic waste. Each house was inhabited by a household of close family members and there was ample space for man to dispose of his waste. Moreover, household wastes at that time were generally of organic origin hence not damaging to the environment. Today with the rapid increase in populations, urbanization and industrialization the volume and diversity of wastes generated has increase in quantity and complexity. The increase and complexity has thus created a need to device appropriate waste disposal methods to ensure a clean and healthy environments (Chiras, 1985). It may be generally assumed that students of higher institutions such as the University are enlightened and should champion environmental friendliness. Contrary to this assumption, house to house inspection round the University of Uyo and environs reveals an apparently poor sanitary situation. The aim of this study was to investigate waste disposal habits of the students of the University of Uyo living in the university and environs. Relevant measures were looked into as remedial measures to check the menace. II. Scope of the Study The waste of human societies comprises solid, liquid and gaseous wastes, but this study only concerns itself with solid wastes. According to Clarke quoted by Chiras (1985) “Solid wastes are only raw materials we are too stupid to use” the paper, glass, metals, tires, plastic that flow daily from the different homes to the surrounding bushes, streets and disposal sites represent a waste of valuable materials. Vegetable wastes from the kitchen enrich the soil while others could be recycled for more useful purposes. Putting it more politely, solid wastes at the household level are materials left over from consumption. At the public level, it is the material that leaves the household, which may be disposed formally or informally (Urban Age, Winter 1999). They include, paper, rubber, plastic, food waste, glass, textile, aluminium metals, leather, wood and others. Many factors interact to produce solid wastes. They include; large population, low products durability, an abundance of disposable items on the market, a lack of recycling, little product reuse, and a lack of individual commitment to reduce waste. Apparent abundant land for disposal is yet another factor.