Greening the Garage: Investigating Sustainable Waste Management Awareness and Practice among Kano Motor Vehicle Mechanics Garage Operators

Greening the Garage: Investigating Sustainable Waste Management Awareness and Practice among Kano Motor Vehicle Mechanics Garage Operators

¹Isyaku M. BELLO., ²Abdullahi RABIU

¹Department of Technology and Vocational Education, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

²Department of Technical Education, Northwest University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.908000359

Received: 09 August 2025; Accepted: 16 August 2025; Published: 11 September 2025

ABSTRACT

The informal automotive sector plays a vital economic and service role in Nigeria’s urban centers, yet contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to poor waste management practices. This study investigates sustainable waste management awareness, practices, and barriers among informal motor mechanics in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through structured questionnaires (n=120), semi-structured interviews with regulatory garage operators/owners, environmental regulatory officials, and field observations across five major mechanic clusters. Findings reveal moderate awareness of environmental hazards (74%) but low formal training (41%), with widespread improper waste handling, including dumping and burning of used oil, batteries, and metal scraps. Infrastructure deficits (78%), cost-related concerns (63%), and weak enforcement (51%) emerged as major barriers. Observational data confirmed high incidences of open dumping (64%) and minimal use of spill containment or safety measures. Triangulated insights reveal a dissonance between reported awareness and actual practice, driven by economic constraints, institutional gaps, and informal sector norms. The study recommends multi-stakeholder interventions involving regulatory inclusion, environmental literacy campaigns, infrastructure support, and community-based enforcement mechanisms to green the informal auto-mechanic sector in Kano and similar urban contexts.

Keywords: Waste Management, Motor Mechanics, Environmental Awareness, Kano Metropolis, Hazardous Waste, Institutional Barriers

INTRODUCTION

The informal sector in Nigeria serves as a critical driver of employment, service provision, and economic resilience, especially in urban centers, contributing to 47.93 % GDP from 2011 to 2025 (Etim & Daramola, 2020). Among its numerous subsectors, motor mechanic workshops are a vital source of livelihoods and vehicular maintenance services (Education & Education, 2024). However, a significant environmental footprint accompanies this contribution to urban functionality. Motor mechanics routinely generate a variety of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, including used engine oil, brake fluid, lubricants, degreasers, batteries, plastic components, and metallic scraps (Murat Çetin & Oğuz Kürşat Demirci, 2024). When these materials are not adequately managed, they pose considerable risks to environmental quality and public health (Nweke & Sanders, 2009). Improper disposal methods, such as dumping used oil into drains, soil, or nearby water bodies, have led to soil contamination, degradation of groundwater quality, and increased air pollution due to open burning of waste materials (Nwilo & Badejo, 2005).

Kano Metropolis, Nigeria’s second-largest city, presents a compelling context for examining this issue (Faisal Koko et al., 2024). As a commercial and automotive hub in Northern Nigeria, Kano hosts hundreds of informal mechanic clusters across its districts, operating largely outside the purview of environmental regulations. These activities, when unregulated, compromise the city’s urban ecology and contribute to Nigeria’s broader challenges of pollution, waste accumulation, and environmental injustice.

In recent years, global and national attention has increasingly turned toward promoting environmentally responsible behaviors in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production underscores the importance of sustainable waste practices across all sectors, formal and informal alike (Küfeoğlu, 2022). Despite this policy momentum, the integration of sustainable waste management (SWM) principles in informal motor mechanic operations remains alarmingly low. Studies conducted in similar developing country contexts (Azi & Adamu, 2023; Idowu, 2023) Have reported low awareness levels among practitioners, inadequate waste classification systems, poor access to waste recycling services, and a general absence of institutional support for proper waste handling.

Furthermore, change in behavior towards sustainable practices is often hindered by limited environmental literacy, the absence of incentives, infrastructural deficits, and deeply entrenched informal operating norms (Dioba et al., 2024). These conditions call for targeted research to understand awareness, existing practices, and barriers to change. Though decentralized and fragmented, the informal automotive sector offers untapped opportunities for advancing urban environmental sustainability if engaged adequately through education, policy, and participatory waste governance.

Against this background, the present study investigates the awareness and existing waste management practices among motor mechanics in Kano Metropolis. By identifying the types and volume of waste generated, evaluating disposal methods, and uncovering the socio-economic and infrastructural barriers to sustainable behavior, the research aims to provide actionable insights. The study contributes to designing realistic, context-specific interventions to green the informal automotive sector and preserve its economic relevance.

METHODS

Study Area

The research was conducted in Kano Metropolis, located in Northwest Nigeria, a region characterized by intense urbanization, high vehicular density, and a growing number of small- to medium-scale automobile repair workshops. Five major mechanics clusters were purposively selected based on their prominence, activity level, and spatial distribution across the metropolis. These included Kofar Ruwa, Kwakwaci, Yankaba, Farm center, and Sabon Gari. Each location hosts dense networks of formal and informal automobile technicians and artisans, making them ideal for investigating sustainable waste management awareness and practices among motor mechanics. The diversity within these clusters also ensured the representation of various specialties such as engine repair, electrical work, bodywork, and vulcanizing services.

Research Design

A mixed-method, explanatory research design refers to a methodological approach that combines quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques within a single study, conducted at one point in time. This design facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the research problem by leveraging the numerical strength of quantitative methods alongside the contextual depth of qualitative inquiry (Creswell, 2012). This method was adopted for this study, as shown in Figure 1. It integrates quantitative and qualitative research techniques to provide a holistic understanding of the issues under investigation. The cross-sectional nature of the design allowed data to be collected at a single point in time, capturing the prevailing practices, attitudes, and environmental behaviors related to waste management among motor mechanics. The combination of structured questionnaires, interviews, and observational tools ensured data triangulation, thereby improving the validity and reliability of the findings.

Figure 1: Research layout

Population and Sample Size

The target population for this study comprised approximately 1,500 motor mechanics, including registered and unregistered practitioners operating within the selected clusters in Kano Metropolis. Given the heterogeneous nature of the population and to ensure fair representation across all mechanics types and geographic locations, a stratified random sampling technique was employed. The strata were defined based on workshop location and technical specialty, including auto-electricity repairs, brakes and steering, automatic or standard transmission and engine, vulcanizing, spray painting, recharging of auto batteries, welding and soldering, and panel beating. From this population, a sample size of 120 respondents was drawn. This sample was considered adequate to capture a broad spectrum of responses and ensure statistical significance while being logistically manageable for in-depth fieldwork (Israel, 2012).

Data Collection Instruments

To achieve comprehensive and reliable data collection, a multi-instrument approach was employed:

The Awareness, Practices, Challenges (AWPRACH) questionnaire (Appendix A) was the principal quantitative instrument used in this study, administered to 120 purposively sampled respondents. Adapted from the works of Inti & Adamu, (2024) and Meng et al., (2018)The questionnaire comprised a mix of closed- and open-ended items strategically developed to capture comprehensive insights into key dimensions of sustainable waste management. These dimensions included awareness of environmental hazards, identification of waste types commonly generated, such as used engine oil, oil filters, batteries, and scrap metals (Inti & Adamu, 2024) As well as current handling and disposal practices. Additionally, the instrument incorporated questions assessing respondents’ perceived barriers and structural challenges related to sustainable waste management systems (Meng et al., 2018).

The instrument was pilot tested in Unguwa uku, Naibawa and Kwanar-Dawaki area which are different from the study location and reliability index of 0.75 Cronbach alpha was obtained indicating acceptable reliability of the adapted instrument AWPRACH.

Semi-Structured Interviews: To complement the quantitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted with 5 regulatory garage operators/owners, (representing each of the clusters) and 3 environmental regulatory officials, from relevant government agencies. The interview (Appendix B) was guided by best practices in environmental qualitative research conducted in Nigerian contexts by Afeonkhai and Otu, (2025) and Michael, (2023). These interviews provided profound insights into regulatory challenges, institutional awareness, and workshop-level environmental strategies. The semi-structured format allowed flexibility in probing individual perspectives and uncovering context-specific issues.

Observation Checklist: Direct observation (Appendix C) was used as a non-intrusive method to validate self-reported behaviors. A standardized checklist was adapted from the thesis on public-private partnership in solid waste management to record observable environmental practices in selected workshops (Yeboah, 2017). This included aspects such as the presence or absence of waste bins, segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, oil spill containment practices, and final disposal methods. Observational data helped bridge the gap between reported and actual practices, especially in identifying informal disposal behaviors.

Data Analysis

This study adopted a methodological triangulation approach to ensure a robust and multidimensional understanding of waste management practices among motor vehicle mechanic garage operators/owners, drawing upon data collected through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and on-site observational checklists. This mixed-method strategy facilitated validating and enriching findings by integrating quantitative and qualitative insights.

Quantitative Analysis of Questionnaire Data

The structured Awareness, Practices, and Challenges (AWPRACH) questionnaire served as the primary instrument for quantitative data collection. Responses were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. These metrics enabled the identification of patterns in environmental awareness, waste generation types and frequency, handling practices, perceived barriers, and behavioral intentions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26, providing a statistical foundation for interpreting respondents’ self-reported practices and perceptions.

Thematic Analysis of Interview Data

Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to thematic content analysis. This process involved systematic coding, categorization, and synthesis of emergent themes and sub-themes. Key areas of focus included:

• Perceived institutional and infrastructural challenges in sustainable waste management.
• Attitudes toward environmental training and compliance.
• Personal and collective motivations for behavioral change.

This layer of analysis offered rich, context-specific insights that complemented the broader trends identified in the quantitative data.

Descriptive Synthesis of Observational Checklist Data

Direct observations were conducted at selected workshops using a structured checklist during unscheduled visits. Field data were documented regarding:

• Physical infrastructure for waste storage and segregation.
• Spill containment and cleanliness measures.
• On-site disposal practices (e.g., dumping, burning, battery storage).
• Use of protective gear and display of safety materials.

These observations were collated, tabulated, and analyzed descriptively. The observational findings were then systematically compared with self-reported questionnaire responses to identify convergence and divergence points.

Integrative Triangulation Approach

Findings from all three data sources were triangulated to enhance validity and depth. This integrative strategy allowed for:

• Cross-verification of data (e.g., confirming alignment between reported and observed practices).
• Clarification of inconsistencies (e.g., differences between stated awareness and actual behaviors).
• Comprehensive interpretation through the combination of empirical patterns and experiential narratives.

Through triangulation, the study established a holistic understanding of waste-related knowledge, behaviors, and constraints within the garages. Using multiple data sources strengthened the research findings’ credibility, reliability, and interpretive richness.

RESULTS

This section presents the integrated findings from the triangulated data sources, structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observational checklists used to assess waste management awareness, practices, and challenges among motor vehicle mechanics garage operators. The analysis is structured thematically to reflect the methodological components outlined in Section 2.5.

Quantitative Results from Questionnaire Analysis

120 valid responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics based on the Awareness, Practices, and Challenges (AWPRACH) questionnaire. The instrument assessed respondents’ environmental awareness, waste handling behaviors, and perceived barriers. The key findings are summarized below:

The demographic distribution of the respondents in Table 1 shows that the majority (33.3%) were between the ages of 26–35 years, followed by 25.0% aged 36–45 years, while only 6.7% were above 55 years. All respondents were male (100%), with no female representation. In terms of education, most had Secondary School Certificates (37.5%), followed by those with Primary School Certificates (23.3%) and Technical/Vocational Certificates (20.8%). Only 10.0% attained tertiary education, while 8.3% had no formal education. Regarding years of experience, the largest group (33.3%) had 6–10 years of experience, and 29.2% had worked for 11–20 years. garages with 4–6 workers were most common (37.5%), followed by those with 1–3 workers (29.2%). As for services provided, over half of the respondents (54.2%) offered multiple or hybrid services, while others specialized in mechanical (25.0%), bodywork and painting (12.5%), or electrical services (8.3%).

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics of Respondents’ Demographics (N = 120)

Environmental Awareness

Table 2 summarizes the findings obtained from the distributed questionnaire. Approximately 74% of the respondents demonstrated moderate to high awareness of the environmental implications of improper waste disposal. However, only 41% had received formal training or sensitization on sustainable waste management practices. This indicates a knowledge practice gap where general awareness exists but lacks actionable knowledge and skills.

Types and Frequency of Waste Generated

Respondents reported generating a variety of garage related waste. The most generated waste types included:

• Used engine oil (92%)
• Spent vehicle batteries (85%)
• Scrap metals (80%)
• Soiled rags/absorbents (65%)

Waste generation frequency varied: engine oil was discarded daily, while batteries and scrap metals were typically generated weekly or monthly.

Waste Handling Practices

While 58% of respondents reported using drums or containers for temporary oil storage, only 27% indicated that they utilized licensed waste handlers for proper disposal. Alarmingly, over 60% admitted to informal disposal methods, including roadside dumping and open burning, suggesting an urgent need for regulatory intervention and community education.

Perceived Barriers to Sustainable Waste Management

Key barriers cited by participants include:

• Lack of disposal infrastructure (78%)
• High cost of waste collection services (63%)
• Limited enforcement by government agencies (51%)
• Perceived irrelevance of environmental regulations to informal workshops (39%)

These findings point to structural and perceptual challenges undermining compliance with best practices.

Behavioral Intentions and Opportunities for Change

Despite these challenges, 72% of respondents expressed willingness to adopt improved waste management practices provided with appropriate training, tools, and regulatory support. This reveals strong potential for policy-driven behavioral change initiatives.

Table 2: Summary of Descriptive Statistics from AWPRACH Questionnaire (n = 120)

Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Interviews

Qualitative interviews were conducted with five motor vehicle mechanic garage operators and three environmental regulatory officials to complement the quantitative data, yielding nuanced perspectives on the socio-cultural and institutional dynamics that shape waste management behaviors. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes:

Theme 1: Infrastructural and Institutional Gaps

Respondents emphasized the absence of formal waste collection infrastructure, particularly in peripheral or informal motor vehicle mechanic garage clusters. Most garages operated outside designated mechanic villages resulting in fragmented or nonexistent waste oversight.

“Nobody comes here to collect waste. We just do what we can—sometimes we bury or burn it. There is no government container anywhere near us.”   garage Operator, Kofar Ruwa

“These places are not officially recognized. So, even if we have a waste collection plan for the city, they are not included. That is a big challenge.”   environmental regulatory official, State Environmental Agency

The institutional disconnect between informal workshops and municipal waste management systems fosters ad hoc disposal methods, undermining regulatory goals.

Theme 2: Environmental Attitudes and Training Needs

There was a clear awareness of environmental concerns among garage operators. However, this awareness did not translate into informed practices, largely due to limited exposure to technical training or environmental sensitization programs.

“We’ve heard oil is bad for soil and water, but no one has ever shown us how to handle it better.” Workshop Operator, Yankaba

“If the government or NGOs can organize training with practical examples, we’re ready to attend. We want to do the right thing, but we need help.” Workshop Leader, Rijiyar Lemo

The interviews underscore the demand for structured training sessions, especially those with hands-on demonstrations tailored to workshop realities.

Theme 3: Motivations and Resistance to Change

The operators exhibited diverse motivational levels regarding environmental compliance. While some respondents expressed eagerness to adopt better practices, others were resistant, citing economic hardship, customer expectations, and weak regulatory enforcement.

“I want to do the right thing. I even kept a drum to store used oil. But my neighbors just pour theirs outside, and nothing happens to them.” Workshop Operator, Farm center

“If I increase the cost to cover waste collection, my customers will go to someone cheaper. That’s our problem.” Workshop Owner, Gwagwarwa

“Until the government is serious and starts enforcing the law, people will continue dumping waste anywhere.” Environmental Health Officer, LGA Council

This theme reveals that behavioral change is not only a function of knowledge but also depends on economic incentives, peer influence, and regulatory enforcement.

Observational Findings from Workshop Sites

Table 3 presented the observational assessments were conducted at 25 randomly selected motor vehicle mechanic garages using a structured checklist to assess environmental management practices objectively. These observations provided a ground-level perspective of actual waste handling behaviors, infrastructure conditions, and safety measures, complementing survey and interview data.

Table 3: Descriptive Summary of Observational Data from 25 Workshops

Key Observational Insights:

1. Waste Storage and Segregation

Only 20% of the workshops had designated storage containers for waste. The majority stored waste materials such as used oil, metals, and soiled rags in open, uncovered areas, often exposed to rainfall and direct sunlight, increasing the risk of soil and water contamination through runoff and seepage.

2. Spill Containment Practices

Just 15% of the workshops employed absorbent materials (e.g., sand, sawdust, pads) to manage oil spills. In contrast, pools of used engine oil and hydrocarbon-stained surfaces were observed in over half of the sites, suggesting poor spill management and high potential for environmental degradation.

3. On-Site Disposal Practices

Environmental degradation indicators were prevalent. Over 60% of the sites showed evidence of:

• Burnt copper wires (from battery or motor part stripping)
• Oil-slicked soil patches
• Discarded battery casings and scrap metal parts

These practices indicate that open burning and on-site dumping remain widespread, unsupervised disposal methods.

4. Safety Measures and Awareness

Only 12% of garages displayed safety signs, environmental posters, or used personal protective equipment (PPE). This low compliance with basic safety standards suggests environmental risks and occupational health hazards to workers and visitors.

The observational data reflects significant lapses in environmentally sound practices and safety compliance within the informal motor vehicle mechanic sector. The findings reinforce earlier thematic and survey-based insights, particularly regarding the lack of infrastructure, technical guidance, and regulatory oversight. There is a critical need for targeted interventions that address behavioral and structural barriers to sustainable workshop management.

Triangulated Insights and Cross-Verification

A triangulated analysis was conducted to ensure the validity and robustness of findings, integrating data from quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and field observations. This methodological convergence enabled a more nuanced understanding of waste management behaviors and the underlying socio-institutional context. The synthesis of these data sources revealed both areas of convergence and divergence, leading to an integrated interpretation of workshop practices.

Convergence Across Data Sources

There was notable alignment between respondents’ self-reported awareness of the environmental hazards of oil and battery waste and the observed, albeit limited, presence of rudimentary containment measures at some workshop sites. Specifically, both interviewees and survey respondents acknowledged the harmful impact of improper disposal, citing concerns about soil and water pollution. These perceptions were corroborated during site visits, where small garages employed makeshift storage, such as repurposed drums or shallow pits, to hold oil waste temporarily.

For instance, interview participants explained that such storage methods were often used to avoid fines, meet client expectations, or enable resale of waste oil, highlighting an economic dimension to containment behavior. This illustrates a degree of conscious pragmatism, where informal workers adopt semi-compliant practices in the absence of formal infrastructure.

Divergence Between Reported and Actual Practices

Despite stated awareness and positive behavioral intentions in the questionnaire data, such as the 58% claiming use of storage drums, only 20% of workshops had verifiable infrastructure in place upon field inspection. This self-reporting bias underscores a common limitation in survey research, particularly within informal sectors where social desirability effects may influence responses.

Furthermore, many respondents expressed willingness to adopt improved waste management practices if supported by training and resources. However, direct observations painted a contrasting picture of routine practices such as open dumping, wire burning, and soil contamination. These contradictions suggest that attitudinal alignment with environmental ideals does not reliably lead to behavioral compliance, especially when enabling conditions such as enforcement, infrastructure, and incentives are lacking.

Integrated Understanding of Waste Management Behavior

Through triangulation, the study unveils a complex behavioral ecology wherein environmental awareness exists in tension with economic constraints, institutional deficiencies, and informal norms that define the operating environment of local workshops. This implies that:

• Knowledge alone is insufficient to drive sustainable practices.
• Economic and regulatory ecosystems must be addressed concurrently.
• Structural invisibility of informal operators in policy frameworks perpetuates unsustainable waste behaviors.

The cross-verification process deepens our understanding of why garage operators often fail to translate intention into action. It reveals that environmental behaviors are not solely determined by awareness but are shaped by contextual factors, including access to resources, peer behaviors, perceived enforcement, and social acceptability within the workshop community.

DISCUSSION

This study comprehensively assesses sustainable waste management practices among informal motor mechanics in Kano Metropolis, revealing both encouraging awareness levels and deeply entrenched unsustainable behaviors. The findings underscore the complexity of behavior change in informal sectors, where knowledge alone does not suffice to alter practices without enabling infrastructural, economic, and institutional support.

Notably, the quantitative data showed that 74% of respondents possessed moderate to high awareness of the environmental risks of improper waste disposal, and less than half had received formal training. The dominant reliance on unsafe disposal methods such as roadside dumping and open burning further evidences this gap between awareness and actionable knowledge. This is consistent with prior findings by Azi and Adamu (2023) in similar Nigerian urban centers, which also linked poor practices to inadequate training, infrastructural neglect, and regulatory exclusion.

Qualitative data reinforced these findings, offering insights into workshop-level rationalizations for improper waste management. Operators expressed willingness to improve practices but pointed to structural constraints such as high waste collection costs and the lack of government support. These constraints mirror systemic governance failures in the environmental management landscape, where informal actors are often excluded from waste collection planning and lack access to formal disposal channels.

Moreover, the study’s observational component highlighted a marked discrepancy between self-reported practices and actual on-site behaviors. For instance, 58% of respondents claimed to use oil storage drums, but only 20% of garages had any verifiable containment infrastructure. This suggests a degree of social desirability bias, wherein respondents project environmentally responsible images that are not borne out in practice, finding that aligns with similar discrepancies reported by Meng et al. (2018) in studies of informal recyclers.

Importantly, triangulated findings point to a behavioral ecology governed by internal motivations (e.g., environmental concern) and external disincentives (e.g., economic hardship, peer norms, regulatory neglect). While some garage operators take rudimentary steps toward safer waste handling, the lack of consistent enforcement and financial support undermines broader compliance. Dioba et al. (2024) argue that behavioral change in such contexts is most effective when anchored in structural reform and community-level engagement.

CONCLUSION

The informal automotive sector in Kano Metropolis represents a critical but environmentally vulnerable segment of Nigeria’s urban economy. Despite moderate awareness of the dangers of improper waste disposal, this study found that prevailing waste management practices among motor mechanics remain largely unsustainable. The dominant use of informal disposal methods, inadequate containment, and low adherence to safety protocols are shaped by infrastructural, economic, and institutional challenges.

The study concludes that awareness alone does not translate into sustainable behavior. Instead, environmental practice is determined by a complex interaction of knowledge, resources, regulatory engagement, and peer influence. Informal workshop operators are not inherently averse to change but operate within systemic constraints that must be addressed holistically.

Sustainable transformation of this sector requires more than education. It demands integration of informal actors into urban environmental governance, equitable infrastructure development, and the creation of economic incentives for compliance. Without such interventions, the sector’s current trajectory will continue to undermine public health, ecological stability, and national commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Environmental Literacy and Training Programs

• Implement structured, context-sensitive training programs targeting informal motor vehicle mechanics.
• Training should focus on practical waste handling techniques, spill containment, and regulatory compliance.
• Partnerships with NGOs and vocational institutions can enhance reach and relevance.

2. Infrastructure and Resource Support

• Provide subsidized waste storage and collection infrastructure (e.g., waste drums, oil containment units).
• Develop designated waste drop-off points accessible to informal garages, particularly in underserved districts.

3. Regulatory Inclusion and Policy Reform

• Integrate informal garages into municipal waste management plans and regulatory frameworks.
• Establish community-based monitoring units in collaboration with local Representatives from mechanic associations and environmental regulatory officials.

4. Incentive-Based Behavioral Change

• Introduce incentive schemes such as waste-for-cash programs or green certification to reward compliant workshops.
• Promote peer accountability through recognition programs (e.g., “Green Mechanic of the Month”) within mechanic clusters.

5. Awareness Campaigns and Public Engagement

• Conduct sustained public campaigns using radio jingles, street drama, and posters in Hausa and English to raise awareness.
• Engage customers and community members in supporting environmentally compliant workshops.

6. Further Research and Data Integration

Future research should adopt longitudinal or action research designs to monitor changes in waste management behavior within mechanic clusters over time and to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of targeted interventions. Expanding the participant pool to include female operators, apprentices, and support staff will provide diverse perspectives and uncover gender-specific challenges and opportunities in sustainable waste practices. Incorporating in-depth qualitative approaches, such as thematic coding, will enrich understanding of the psychological, social, and cultural determinants influencing waste management behavior, complementing quantitative data and offering a more holistic view.

Comparative studies across different informal economic sectors and across varied geographic regions in Nigeria and Africa would enhance the generalizability of findings and identify both shared and context-specific challenges. The integration of GIS-based waste mapping systems could enable spatial tracking of formal and informal waste flows to support urban planning and targeted waste recovery efforts. Additionally, research should explore affordable, locally adaptable technologies and grassroots innovations suitable for low-resource settings, ensuring that recommended solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with the lived realities of participants.

Conflict Of Interest

No potential conflict of interest.

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APPENDIX A

Structured Questionnaire on Waste Management Among Motor Mechanics in Kano

Dear Respondent,

You are invited to participate in a research study titled:

“Greening the Garage: Investigating Sustainable Waste Management Awareness and Practice Among Kano Motor Vehicle Mechanics Garage Operators”

This study seeks to understand the level of awareness, types of waste generated, and current handling practices among workshop operators in Kano. The findings will help inform policy recommendations and promote environmentally sound practices.

Your participation is voluntary, and your responses will be treated with strict confidentiality. The information collected will be used solely for academic and environmental research purposes. You are free to skip any question you are uncomfortable with, and you may withdraw at any time without consequence.

This questionnaire will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

By proceeding to answer the questionnaire, you are giving your informed consent to participate in this study.

If you have any questions about the research, you may contact the researcher at:

isyakubello@kustwudil.edu.ng

Thank you for your time and valuable contribution.

Section A: Demographic & Workshop Profile

Section B: Awareness & Knowledge

Section C: Waste Generation & Types

Approx. amount of used oil generated per day/week (Liters): ____________________________

How often do you generate the following waste types (tick one per row):

Section D: Handling & Disposal Practices

How do you usually dispose of used engine oil? (Tick one):

Drain [  ] Underground soak away [  ] Sell to recycler [  ] Store for later use [  ]

Others: _________

Do you sort your waste before disposal?  Yes [  ] No [  ]

Have you ever burned plastic or rubber scraps?  Yes [  ] No [  ]

Section E: Barriers & Incentives

Rate the following statements from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree):

Would you change practice if trained for free?  Yes [  ] No [  ]

Would incentives encourage better practices?  Yes [  ] No [  ]

Section F: Behavioral Intentions

Would you adopt proper waste disposal if free mobile oil collection was provided?  Yes [  ] No [  ]

“Most other mechanics in Kano dispose waste properly”

Strongly Disagree [  ] Disagree [  ] Neutral [  ] Agree [  ] Strongly Agree [  ]

Appendix B

Semi‑Structured Interview Guide (Qualitative)

Target Respondents:

• Regulatory garage operators/Owners and Environmental regulatory officials. (8 interviews)

Thematic Areas & Sample Questions:

1. Awareness & Perceptions

• “Can you describe what types of waste you generate in this garage?”
• “How do you feel about environmental, and health risks associated with automotive wastes?”

1. Practices & Decision-Making

• “What procedures do you follow in storing, sorting, or disposing waste?”
• “What decisions influence how waste is handled?”

1. Barriers & Enablers

• “What prevents you or your peers from segregating or recycling waste?”
• “What support would encourage sustainable practices?”

1. Policy & Institutional Context

• “Are there regulations or bodies overseeing automotive waste disposal in Kano?”
• “How effective are enforcement mechanisms?”

1. Recommendations & Future Outlook

• “If resources were available, what system would you prefer for managing used oil, batteries, scrap?”

Appendix C

Observation Checklist (On‑Site Behavioral Observation)

1. Waste Storage & Segregation

1. Spill Control & Cleanliness

1. Disposal Practices

1. Infrastructure & Training Evidence