ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AMONG RESIDENTS OF AN URBAN AREA IN CHENNAI.

Every year tonnes of solid waste is generated from households and disposed of by various means. Improper waste management can directly or indirectly have an effect on air, water and soil pollution which in turn may affect the natural ecosystem and environment. Education and proper waste management practices can help to reduce the pollution from improper waste disposal thereby protecting the environment and preventing diseases. Hence the study has been conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding disposal of household solid waste among residents of an urban area in Chennai. The study has conducted among individuals above 18 years of age who were residing in the urban area of Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Systematic random sampling method was used and interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire which was validated and translated to the local language. 89.2% residents knew the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. 39.8% residents agreed that there is room for improvement in the way solid waste is disposed at their household. Proper household solid waste segregation is practiced by 43% residents. 86% residents dispose their household wastes every day. Even though there is good knowledge about different type of waste and importance of waste segregation. It is only being practiced by less than half of the residents. Further education and implementation by the public health department can help to improve solid waste disposal practices and reduce environmental pollution.