Assessment of Household Waste Disposal Methods and their Environmental Health Risks Among Residents in Ogbia Town, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Background: Improper household waste disposal remains a major environmental and public health challenge in semi-urban communities in Nigeria. This study assessed household waste disposal methods and their environmental health risks in Ogbia Town, Bayelsa State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 379 household heads (>18 years) was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected with a validated structured questionnaire (4 sections) and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages). Results: Majority had heard of proper waste management 301(79.4%), mainly through media 187(49.3%), and 298(78.6%) believed improper disposal affects health. Despite high awareness, unsafe practices predominated: open dumping 142(37.5%) and open burning 88(23.2%), while only 28(7.4%) used waste management agencies. Most 218(57.5%) reported no authorized collection service. Environmental problems observed included flies/rodents 298(78.6%), bad odour 281(74.1%), flooding from blocked drainage 214(56.5%), and water pollution 178(47.0%). 263(69.4%) reported household illnesses linked to waste, notably malaria 198(52.2%), diarrhoea 143(37.7%), typhoid 112(29.6%), and respiratory problems 74(19.5%). 302(79.7%) agreed current practices pose health risks, and 287(75.7%) were willing to adopt improved methods. Conclusion: High knowledge coexists with poor practice due to infrastructural deficits. There is urgent need for improved collection services, enforcement, and health education.