Strategies for the Implementation of Environmental Protection Regulations towards Sustainable Waste Management in Oyo State

Abstract

The pursuit of effective strategies for implementing environmental protection regulations towards sustainable waste management in Oyo State is a critical challenge. The state amidst its burgeoning population and economic activities, grapples with the generation of substantial waste, emphasizing the urgency for robust waste management strategies and the absence of comprehensive and well-executed waste management initiatives in the state poses a serious threat to the ecosystem, public health, and overall environmental sustainability. Therefore the study assessed strategies for the implementation of environmental protection regulations towards sustainable waste management in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study unit was drawn from the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Oyo State Waste Management Authority, Mottainai Recycling Limited Ibadan, and the Oyo State Local Government Environmentalist. The population for this study was 369, while the sample size was 191 derived using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination formula.  An in-depth interview was conducted to complement respondents’ opinions. Findings from the study showed that Oyo State has approved the establishment of dumpsites, awareness campaigns and educational programs focused on environmental conservation in the state. The study also revealed that there is implementation of penalties and fines for improper waste disposal. The study recommends that the Oyo State Government should establish a recycling plant to facilitate the conversion of waste into valuable resources and enhance robust public awareness and education campaigns, including the strengthening and enforcement of waste management regulations with stiff penalties for violations, to deter illegal dumping and improper waste disposal.