Examine the impacts and effectiveness of waste management practices at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihinthale

Abstract

The impact of waste and improper waste management practices has significantly increased as a result of changes in people’s lifestyles. Therefore, improper waste disposal practices directly affect to arise many environmental, health and socio-economic problems. Based on that current study seeks to identify impacts and effectiveness of waste management practices, student’s attitudes on waste management in Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Mihintale. Required data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Relevant secondary data were collected through various selected sources such as websites, reports, etc. Primary data were collected from questionnaires, interviews and field surveys. The simple random sample was used to select 100 students from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Management Studies and Applied Sciences in university premises. Findings of the study identified Plastic, Polythene, Paper waste, Food waste, and Wastewater are the major waste disposes of the university. These wastes are generating not only on the university premises but also from the university hostels. Further, lack of proper waste management practices, attitudinal changes of students, improper waste disposal methods and over usage of non-biodegradable waste were reported as some other major reasons for increasing waste problems. 35% of students state that attitudinal changes are the major reason for increasing waste problems. Accordingly, irregular waste management practices lead to decline scenic beauty in the university, as well as pollute the environment, emission of greenhouse gasses and potential to increase vector-borne diseases. Most of the students have moderately low awareness of waste management practices in university. Although there is a composting plant on university premises, it is not functioning properly. Therefore, findings of the study suggest that enhance proper waste management practices in the university be used as an effective measure to reduce waste impacts.