Waste Management Strategies and Environmental Sustainability in Abakaliki Urban, Abakaliki Nigeria

The study examined the impact of waste management practiceson environmental sustainability in Abakaliki Urban, EbonyiState, with a focus on waste reduction at source. Data werecollected from 367 respondents and analyzed with chi-squarestatistical techniques. Findings revealed statistically significantrelationships between waste reduction at source andenvironmental sustainability (χ² = 42.317, df = 16, p = 0.001),WtE technology and environmental sustainability (χ² = 56.842,df = 16, p = 0.002), and waste recycling practices andenvironmental sustainability (χ² = 72.416, df = 16, p < 0.05).These results indicate that sustainable waste managementstrategies play a critical role in enhancing ecological balance,resource efficiency, and community health within AbakalikiUrban. The study revealed that adopting integrated wastemanagement strategies fosters sustainable urban development,aligning with global environmental goals. It recommendsstrengthening public sensitization, infrastructure investment,and policy enforcement to encourage effective recycling, energyrecovery, and waste minimization at source. By addressinglocal waste challenges, Abakaliki Urban can serve as a modelfor environmental sustainability in Nigeria and otherdeveloping regions.