A *GEOGRAPHY PROJECT* *The Impact of Poor Waste Disposal on the School Environment* --- *STAGE 1: Problem Identification (5 Marks)* *1.1 Description of the Problem (1 Mark)* Many schools struggle with *poor waste disposal*, which leads to an unhygienic environment, pollution, and health risks among students and staff. When *garbage is not properly managed*, it can cause *bad odors, increase the spread of diseases, and attract pests such as flies and rodents*. Additionally, improper disposal of plastics and hazardous materials negatively affects *soil, water sources, and the general school ecosystem*. This study seeks to *examine the causes, effects, and possible solutions to poor waste management in schools*. *1.2 Statement of Intent (2 Marks)* This project aims to *analyze the impact of improper waste disposal on the school environment*, evaluating its *effects on health, learning conditions, and the sustainability of the school ecosystem*. It will explore *common waste disposal practices, environmental consequences, and strategies to improve waste management in schools*. *1.3 Design / Project Specification (2 Marks)* - *Survey among students and staff* to assess waste management practices. - *Analysis of common types of waste produced in schools* and disposal methods. - *Evaluation of how poor waste disposal affects health, cleanliness, and learning environments*. - *Observation of waste accumulation patterns and pollution levels in different areas of the school*. - *Recommendations for implementing better waste management systems in schools*. --- *STAGE 2: Investigation of Related Ideas (10 Marks)* *2.1 Evidence of Related Ideas (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Environmental Hazards Caused by Improper Waste Disposal* – Waste accumulation pollutes soil, air, and water, affecting ecosystems. 2. *Health Risks Associated with Poor Waste Management* – Garbage attracts pests and spreads diseases like cholera, dysentery, and respiratory infections. 3. *Sustainable Waste Disposal Methods for Schools* – Recycling, composting, and proper segregation improve cleanliness and environmental sustainability. *2.2 Analysis of Waste Disposal in Schools* *Advantages (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Proper waste disposal ensures a clean and healthy school environment* – Reduces pollution and diseases. 2. *Recycling helps schools reduce waste accumulation* – Encourages sustainable use of materials. 3. *Waste segregation improves efficiency in managing different types of waste* – Ensures effective disposal and reusability. *Disadvantages (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Lack of awareness and education leads to poor waste handling* – Many students and staff do not follow correct disposal practices. 2. *Limited waste disposal resources (bins, collection systems) affect efficiency* – Schools struggle with inadequate waste management infrastructure. 3. *Improper waste disposal disrupts the school ecosystem* – Accumulated garbage damages soil and water sources. *2.3 Overall Presentation of Ideas (1 Mark)* This study *examines the causes and effects of improper waste disposal while proposing sustainable solutions for schools*. --- *STAGE 3: Generation of Possible Solutions (10 Marks)* *3.1 Suggested Solutions for Waste Disposal (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Implementing waste segregation and recycling programs* – Helps manage different types of waste efficiently. 2. *Raising awareness on waste management through school campaigns* – Educates students and staff on proper waste disposal. 3. *Providing adequate trash bins and waste collection systems* – Ensures organized disposal of waste materials. *3.2 Advantages (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Waste segregation reduces pollution and enhances recycling efforts* – Promotes sustainability.2. *Educational campaigns encourage responsible waste disposal behavior* – Helps students and staff adopt eco-friendly practices. 3. *Adequate waste collection systems improve cleanliness and hygiene* – Prevents accumulation of garbage in classrooms and surroundings. *3.3 Disadvantages (1 Mark each x3 = 3 Marks)* 1. *Recycling requires additional infrastructure and resources* – Schools may need extra funding for waste management projects. 2. *Some students and staff may fail to follow waste disposal guidelines* – Requires strict enforcement of rules. 3. *Waste collection systems need regular maintenance* – Poor management may lead to inefficiency. *3.4 Overall Quality of Solutions (1 Mark)* These solutions *provide practical and effective approaches to managing waste disposal in schools*. --- *STAGE 4: Refinement of Chosen Solution (10 Marks)* *4.1 Selection of Solution (1 Mark)* *Implementing waste segregation and recycling programs* is the chosen solution. *4.2 Justification of Choice (2 Marks)* - *Point 1:* Waste segregation *ensures efficient disposal and reduces environmental damage*. - *Point 2:* Recycling *helps schools minimize waste while promoting sustainability*. *4.3 Refinements of Solution (2 Marks each x3 = 6 Marks)* 1. *Introducing waste segregation bins for different types of waste* – Helps manage recyclables, biodegradable waste, and hazardous materials separately. 2. *Creating school-based recycling programs (paper, plastics, organic waste)* – Ensures responsible use of resources. 3. *Collaborating with environmental organizations* – Helps schools implement advanced waste management strategies. *4.4 Overall Presentation of Solution (1 Mark)* Waste segregation and recycling *promote cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and better waste management in schools*. --- *STAGE 5: Survey Report on Waste Disposal in Schools (10 Marks)* *Survey Report* *Introduction* This survey examines *waste management practices in schools, assessing awareness, challenges, and potential solutions for better disposal systems*. *Survey Questions and Responses* *1. Does your school have proper waste management systems?* ResponsePercentage (%)Yes45%No55% *Analysis:* More than half of the respondents *believe their schools lack proper waste management systems*, indicating a need for improvement. *2. What type of waste is most common in your school?* Waste TypePercentage (%)Plastic and paper waste50%Food waste30%Hazardous waste (chemicals, broken equipment)20% *Analysis:* Plastic, paper, and food waste *are the most common forms of garbage in schools*, showing the importance of recycling programs. *3. What are the main challenges affecting waste disposal?* ChallengePercentage (%)Lack of proper waste bins40%Poor awareness of disposal methods35%Irregular waste collection services25% *Analysis:* Most schools *lack proper waste bins and disposal awareness*, reinforcing the need for educational campaigns and better infrastructure. *4. Would you participate in a school recycling program?* ResponsePercentage (%)Yes80%No20% *Analysis:* Most students *support recycling initiatives*, showing the potential for successful waste management programs. *STAGE 6: Analysis and Recommendations (5 Marks)* *Survey Findings on Waste Disposal* - *Many schools lack proper waste management systems, leading to environmental problems*. - *Plastic, paper, and food waste are the most common types of garbage in schools*. - *Most students are willing to participate in recycling and waste disposal programs*. *Recommendations (2 Marks)* - *Introduce school-based waste segregation and recycling programs* to manage garbage efficiently. - *Increase awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal methods* to educate students and staff. - *Improve waste collection services and provide adequate disposal bins* to enhance hygiene and cleanliness. ---