Abstract:
The safe disposal of laboratory chemical waste is a crucial aspect of environmental
health and safety, particularly in educational settings. In Rwanda, the introduction of
the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) has increased practical science activities in
secondary schools, leading to rising of laboratory chemical waste generated.
Laboratory chemical waste requires special handling, if not properly managed it can
cause serious environmental pollution and health risk, especially in Nyamasheke where
communities relies on Lake Kivu and Nyungwe natural forest for their daily activities.
This study applies the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), TPB helps predict and
understand how teachers' and students' motivations, beliefs, and abilities affect waste
disposal practices in chemistry laboratory. This study was guided by the objectives: to
find out strategies to promote waste disposal in selected secondary schools, to identify
the level of chemical laboratory waste generated and their present disposal practices,
evaluating these issues, and suggesting workable solutions to enhance chemical waste
disposal. The study employed a descriptive research methodology while it utilized
questionnaires, document analysis, and observation to collect data. A sample size was
selected, where 239 students were randomly selected, eight chemistry teachers and
eight laboratory technicians were purposively selected from the eight selected schools.
Data were analyzed using SPSS and the findings have shown that inorganic waste is
the most common, with organic, plastic, glass, and paper waste also requiring proper
disposal. Schools mainly use chemical neutralization, incineration, and landfill
disposal, but poor implementation of it increases environmental and health risks. The
challenges such as inadequate training, lack of facilities, and absence of standardized
protocols further worsen waste management. The study recommends REB to train
teachers, and improve disposal facilities. MINEDUC should integrate waste
management guidelines into science education and enhance infrastructure. REMA
should ensure compliance through inspections and future researchers should explore
innovative, cost-effective solutions and digital tools for waste management.
