Abstract:
Plastic is one of the most abundant materials in the world today. Plastic bag is a bag made of a
thin, flexible plastic material, especially one with handles supplied by a shop to carry goods
purchased there. Thousands of plastic factories are producing tons of plastic bags which are
very popularly used by the people for shopping purposes because of its ease, cheapness and
convenience of use. Plastic bag wastes cause serious environmental pollutions and health
problems in humans and animals both in dry land and in water bodies. The situation is worsened
(bad) especially in economically disadvantaged countries like Ethiopia. The status of plastic
waste disposal, its underlying causes and associated undesirable environmental impacts is not
well known in the country and particularly in the study area (Gondar city).This study’s aim is to
assess community’s perception of utilization and disposal of plastic bags in Gondar city.
Descriptive research approach has been conducted in Gondar city Ethiopia, using a purposive
or judgmental (convenience) (Non-probability sampling technique). The data concerning all
variables have been collected via pretested questionnaire and observational checklist. Among
the total 388 respondents almost all 387 (99.7%) respondents are users of plastic bags. 327
(84.30%) respondents perceived plastic bags can be cause of Human and animal disease and the
rest 60 (15.50%) respondents believe plastic bags can be cause of Human and animal disease,
can be cause of Blockage of drainages and decreasing beauty of cities and it can be causes of
pollution of the environment, 327 (84.30%) respondents believe depletion of O3, Increasing
Global warming, pollution of Water & air are the result of plastic bag wastes, most of the
community members are not aware about the impact of using plastic bags but they as plastic
bags are harmful. 101(26%) respondents agreed as the utilization of plastic bags should be
continued and 286 (73.70%) respondents not agreed the utilization of plastic bags should not be
continued or they agreed the utilization of plastic bags to be discontinued. The respondents do
not know the reason why the utilization of plastic bags increase and 328 (84.50%) respondents
do not know as Ethiopia Settle law to ban plastic bags. This study has found that utilization of
plastic bag is at a higher level. Community’s perceptions regarding utilization and disposal of
plastic bags have been at a lower level; therefore, a great emphasis should be given to bringing
the desired attitudinal change.
