Track: Waste Management

Abstract

Fumigation involves the use of a highly toxic pesticide known as a fumigant, to kill target organisms under airtight conditions. Such wastes enter our environment owing to improper disposal of the containers and poses a huge threat to public health and the environment. This study assessed the methods of disposal of fumigant containers practiced in Zambia and the extent to which fumigators comply with Zambian environmental regulations. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches were used, and purposive sampling helped in establishing the fumigant package disposal sites. The findings revealed that 68 % buried the fumigant containers in a 1-meter-deep pit. However, through observations, 17 fumigators from the 15 districts disposed the containers on open surfaces despite being aware of the environmental regulations. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency visited only 48 % of fumigators’ premises. Findings in this study require immediate enactment laws that will help abolish unsafe disposal of fumigant containers in Zambia. Further, trained fumigators and not their assistants should conduct disposal of fumigant containers. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency should intensify their inspections combined with law enforcement and standard fumigant disposal protocols must be devised and made available to the fumigators.