Assessing Public Awareness and Promoting Safe Management of Household Hazardous Waste Through Community-Based Awareness Initiatives

– Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) has emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern due to the widespread use of chemical-based products in daily household activities. Common items such as batteries, paints, pesticides, cleaning agents, fluorescent lamps, and expired medicines contain hazardous substances that can adversely affect human health and the environment when disposed of improperly. Despite constituting only a small fraction of municipal solid waste, HHW can lead to soil contamination, groundwater pollution, air quality degradation, and serious health hazards. This study aims to assess the level of public awareness regarding HHW, analyze existing disposal and segregation practices, and promote responsible waste management among households. A descriptive survey methodology was adopted, wherein structured questionnaires were administered to residents through direct household visits. Additional insights were obtained through interactions with waste management officials. The collected data were analyzed using percentage-based statistical methods and graphical representations. The survey findings revealed that only 36% of respondents were fully aware of HHW, while 24% were partially aware and 40% lacked awareness entirely. Furthermore, 60% of households disposed of hazardous waste along with regular garbage, and only 30% practiced waste segregation. These results indicate a substantial gap in public knowledge and proper disposal practices. However, the majority of respondents expressed a willingness to adopt safer waste management methods when provided with appropriate guidance. Based on these findings, an awareness campaign was conducted to educate residents about HHW identification, segregation, safe disposal methods, and environmental protection. The study highlights the critical need for continuous public education, community participation, and effective waste management policies to ensure sustainable environmental protection and improved public health.