Knowledge Regarding Household Waste Management Among Housewives in Rural Area of Charar-I-Shareef Budgam

Abstract

Waste is useless, unwanted material for which no use is intended. Human and animal activities generate waste. Millions of tons of waste are produced by various human activities every day all over the world. Waste produced differs from country to country, state to state, and rural to urban areas. About 2.01 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is produced annually worldwide. India generates 62 million tons of waste annually. In 2008, India produced 48 million tons of solid waste. When solid waste is not properly collected it usually ends up being disposed of at the roadside or on public land. Approximately 30-60% of the solid waste generated in developing countries remains uncollected (WORLD BANK 2011). On average Jammu & Kashmir generates 3134 tonnes of solid waste per day. Waste generation in Kashmir valley grows at more than a 2% rate annually. Aim: The aim is to assess the knowledge of housewives regarding household waste management. Materials and Methods: A non-experimental descriptive design was used for the study. A non-probability purpose sampling technique was used for the selection of 60 samples. Results: The study revealed that most of the study participants 63.3% had average knowledge, 33.3% had strong knowledge, and only 3.3% had inadequate knowledge about how to manage household waste. The study revealed that there was no significant association between the level of knowledge and the selected demographic variables of the study participants (Age, educational status, family income, and mode of waste disposal). Interpretation and Conclusion: The study revealed that the maximum number of study participants had average knowledge regarding household waste management. The study concluded that there is a need to educate housewives regarding household waste management.