Public health is a fundamental requirement to
human existence. Waste is directly linked to human
development, both technologically and socially, some
components of waste have economical value and can be
recycled once correctly recovered. Effects of poor
environmental hygiene on public health were studied in the
precarious living quarters of Lagos state in Nigeria. This
study examined the waste management; identified the
challenges facing its operation; proffered possible solutions
necessary for the growth of the waste market, and also the
need to harness the inherent economic and environmental
benefits. Data collected in various centers in the town on
cases of morbidity, revealed that malaria is much contracted
by populations with 58% cases against 14% for diarrhea and
28% for acute respiratory infections. Under-five children are
much affected with 24% of the patients among which 43%
were cases of the diarrheic diseases. Also, malaria and
respiratory infections are more important during rainy
seasons, in contrast to diarrheal diseases caused by poor
hygiene of people. It has been ascertained that the level of
education affects the public health. The concept
transformation of waste from an exhausted utility to a
valuable commodity as a mechanism for effective solid
waste management is yet to be properly utilized in Lagos
State.