Improvements in Education and Awareness

When reviewing current research on the topic of social interventions,

recycling is often emphasized when talking about education and awareness
programs as they relate to Solid-Waste Management (SWM). The low level of
awareness regarding the health and environmental impacts of improper
management of solid waste makes it difficult to implement recycling and
disposal programs in many developing countries (Mrayyan and Hamdi, 2009).

Recycling requires community involvement and social awareness to be

successful. In recognition of the importance of public participation in the
success of recycling programs, recycling policy and legislation need to be
geared toward promoting people centered approaches to recycling with public
education as the main driver towards increasing public participation (Bolaane,
2009). A study done in Palestine focused on this educational gap came to the
conclusion that there was a positive relationship between the level of
education and the participatory behavior of the people in recycling activities
(Al-Khatib et al., 2015).

Unfavorable results present local authorities with the challenge to

educate citizens and disseminate sustainable measures and practices aiming
to: 1) reinforce environmental sustainability, public health, family and child
safety; and 2) practice the principles of waste management: reduction and
segregation at the source, reuse and commitment to participate in recycling
schemes. These are just two findings of many that identify public awareness
and education of SWM as vital in achieving waste segregation that would, in
turn, reduce solid waste pollution.

Effect of Improper Garbage Disposal

 The study will not be effective if the garbage is dumped or not contained
properly in a landfill it will contaminate the surrounding ground. Humans are
not the only ones affected by improper garbage disposal—animals are too.

Conservation International notes that garbage dumping and discharging

raw or untreated sewage can threaten marine life and animals who come in
contact with the water. When waste forms a cluster or algal bloom, the area
can suffocate and contaminate sea bottom habitats such as coral and fish
reducing their numbers. This contamination not only destroys their habitat it
can also affect human consumption as fish and shellfish that were feasting off
of contaminated areas reach fishermen and are caught for human
consumption. Old fishing lures, plastic bottles, rope, Styrofoam, cigarette
butts and fishing lines can be consumed by marine animals leading to the
death of millions each year according to Conservation International.