ASSESSING PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE REGARDING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AFTER THE BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS (A CASE STUDY OF G-6 & F-7 SECTORS OF ISLAMABAD)

Abstract

Solid waste management is usually regarded as a major environmental issues-particularly in larger cities, however until now its generation is unavoidable and highly neglected in most developing countries as it was not a big issue earlier, but now it turned out to be a great problem and widely known concept to municipal authorities throughout the world. This study aimed at understanding the perception and attitude of people of G-6 and F-7 sectors on the ban of plastic bags and the corresponding changes in various attributes and usage associated with it. This study used a cross-sectional survey method and data was collected from 281 households, 99 shopkeepers, and 20 C.D.A officials through a questionnaire survey. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results showed that 96 % of residents of G-6, 86 % of F-7, and 81% of kachi abadi are in favor of a ban on plastic bags. Results also showed that the perception and attitude of females are better than males towards the ban and use of alternative plastic bags. The results showed that the level of solid waste management awareness among households of F-7 sectors recorded a higher level of solid waste management awareness as compared to the G-6 sector & residents of kachi abadi. The government should enforce strict compliance by enforcing laws regarding the ban on plastic bags not only in Islamabad but all over the country to protect the environment.