Solid Waste Handling Systems in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution: A Case Study of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study evaluates solid waste handling systems in a Nigerian tertiary institution, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, This study employed both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary data were through questionnaire administered to the students, employees and cleaners while interview was conducted on a management staff. Using a systematic sampling technique, 60 students, 13 employees, 43 cleaners, and a management staff were selected for the study. A total of 117 respondents were sampled. The data obtained include: solid waste segregation practice, storage receptacles used and the location of storage facilities among others. Data were analysed using Frequency distribution and factor analysis. Findings showed that solid waste generated in the study area were not handled according to the World Health Organization's guidelines. Identified in the study area include: inadequate colour-coded bins, inconsistent labeling, and limited training were hinder effectiveness of waste segregation. The study further revealed that waste receptacles colour coding system was not adequately implemented. The study therefore concludes that healthcare solid waste management success is governed by the facilities and equipment, human resources capacity and the frequency of waste collection and disposal.