Sustainable Household Waste Management and Its Relationship to Family Health Outcomes in Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria

Household waste management is a critical dimension of home management that has direct implications for environmental health, disease prevention, and family well-being. In rapidly urbanising cities like Benin City, inadequate waste disposal is associated with elevated risks of diarrhoeal disease, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. This study examined the relationship between sustainable household waste management practices and family health outcomes in Benin City, Edo State. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, with 200 households selected through cluster sampling from four residential zones. Waste management practices including solid waste sorting, composting, organic recycling, and disposal frequency were assessed using structured observation and questionnaires. Family health outcomes were measured through self-reported morbidity records and nutritional status screening of under-five children. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings showed that households practising sustainable waste management reported significantly fewer episodes of diarrhoea and respiratory illness among children. Waste composting for vegetable gardening was positively associated with household dietary diversity. Educational attainment and access to waste management services moderated practice quality. The study recommends city-wide household waste segregation programmes and subsidised composting kits as part of Benin City Metropolitan Authority's public health strategy. Keywords: household waste management, family health, Benin City, composting, environmental hygiene