Abdulrasaq advocates proper waste disposal for healthy living
By Bashir Dawodu
A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Health Promotion and Environmental Health Education, University of Ilorin, Dr Qazeem Onaolapo Abdulrasaq, has urged Nigerians, particularly members of the University community, to adopt proper waste disposal practices to ensure healthy living and a cleaner environment.
Dr Abdulrasaq made the call while discussing findings from his research, titled “Effect of Poor Waste Disposal on Health and Environment”,with UNILORIN Bulletin in his office penultimate Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
He stressed that waste itself is not the major problem, but the poor management and disposal methods adopted by individuals and communities.
Dr Abdulrasaq described poor waste disposal as the improper handling, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal of waste materials in ways that threaten human health and damage the environment.
According to him, waste management has become a major challenge affecting many societies, particularly in developing countries.
“Poor waste disposal has emerged as one of the most serious environmental and public health concerns affecting urban and rural communities alike, ”he said.
Dr Abdulrasaq noted that indiscriminate dumping of refuse along roadsides, gutters, rivers, drainage channels, open spaces, and unauthorised dumpsites has created unhealthy living conditions and contributed significantly to environmental degradation.
He explained that one of the most dangerous consequences of poor waste disposal is its effect on human health, as refuse dumps often serve as breeding grounds for disease-carrying organisms like flies, mosquitoes, rats, and cockroaches.
According to him, these vectors are responsible for the spread of diseases including cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, dysentery, and Lassa fever.
“Children and elderly persons are often the most vulnerable victims of these unhealthy environmental conditions,” he added.
The don also highlighted water contamination as another major consequence of improper waste disposal. He observed that many people dump refuse directly into rivers, streams, and drainage systems without considering the health implications.
He explained that during rainfall, waste materials are often washed into water sources used for domestic purposes by nearby residents, thereby exposing them to diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis, and other gastrointestinal infections.
On air pollution, Dr Abdulrasaq warned that prolonged exposure to polluted air resulting from improper waste management could lead to respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, persistent coughing, and breathing difficulties.
He called for intensified public education and awareness campaigns to change people’s attitudes toward waste disposal, adding that governments, schools, religious institutions, and media organisations all have important roles to play in educating citizens on the dangers associated with poor waste management.
Dr Abdulrasaq further stated that environmental sanitation should be treated as a collective responsibility among all members of society.
He also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate waste disposal facilities, including refuse bins, dumpsters, recycling centres, and efficient waste collection services.
The don emphasised the need for strict enforcement of environmental sanitation laws, pointing out that individuals and organisations involved in illegal dumping and improper waste disposal should face appropriate sanctions.
“Strict environmental regulations can help discourage irresponsible behaviour and promote environmental discipline, ” he said.
