Özet:

Abstract This research aims to investigate the perceptions of teachers and learners regarding the handling of solid waste at secondary schools in the Umlazi District. This study used waste management theory and following a qualitative approach, adopted a case study design to explore the perception of teachers and learners on solid waste management in the Umlazi District, Kwa-Zulu Natal. By using focus group interviews, observation, face-to-face interviews, and photovoice, data were collected from three secondary schools three teachers, teaching Life Sciences, and 18 learners in Grade 10. The findings showed that the teachers and learners were aware of concerns with solid waste and waste management practices in their schools and local environment. It also appeared that schoolteachers and learners had an acute awareness that poor waste management would harm the school environment as well as them as individuals. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there was minimal awareness of effective solid waste management practices. Good waste solid waste management practices activities were minimal in both the schools and home environment. The critical recommendation of the study is that the Department of Basic Education needs to intensify the research on proper solid waste disposal to better understand the needs of teachers and learners regarding environmental matters such as solid waste management.

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