Assessing challenges and effective strategies for laboratory chemical waste disposal in eight selected secondary schools of Nyamasheke District, Rwanda

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.