Knowledge and Perception of Plastic Waste Disposal Practices in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rivers State

Background: Improper plastic waste disposal poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in riverine communities where plastic pollution threatens aquatic ecosystems and water resources. This study assessed awareness and perception of plastic waste disposal as an environmental health risk among residents of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among residents of three selected communities: Nkoro, Kalibiama and Opobo Town. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Of the 400 questionnaires administered, 389 were completed and analysed, yielding a response rate of 97.25%. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to summarise responses and identify factors associated with awareness and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Most respondents were male (51.4%), and 46.0% had tertiary education. Overall, 86.9% demonstrated high awareness of proper plastic waste disposal practices, while 13.1% had low awareness. Furthermore, 92.5% had a positive perception of plastic waste as an environmental health risk. Educational attainment was significantly associated with high awareness, with respondents who had secondary education (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.30– 4.25) and tertiary education (AOR = 4.80; 95% CI: 2.65–8.69) having higher odds of awareness. Similarly, secondary and tertiary education were associated with positive risk perception. Despite these favourable findings, 83.5% of respondents practised improper plastic waste disposal. Conclusion: Residents demonstrated high awareness and positive risk perception, yet improper disposal remained widespread. Interventions should therefore extend beyond general awareness campaigns to improve waste collection services, strengthen community-based waste management and promote practical, accessible disposal alternatives, particularly among farmers and fishermen and residents with limited formal education.