Records have shown that 2.01 billion tonnes of waste are generated annually, with 80% not being recycled. This study explores Waste Management Practices (WMP) among food vendors and health security in Makurdi LGA, Benue State. The study examined the WMP adopted by food vendors and assessed the impact of poor WMP on health security in Makurdi LGA.

The study is anchored on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and its design is cross-sectional survey. Multistage sampling technique was used, with a sample size of 333 food vendors determined by the Salant and Dillman (1994) method, from an estimated population of 2,352 food vendors. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at p≤0.05 through the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) while content analysis was utilized for the qualitative data.

Findings revealed that 50% of food vendors reported having proper waste management facilities and disposing of waste once or twice daily. Poor WMP led to environmental degradation, bad odors, food spoilage, and increased disease risk among customers. Health security measures taken by food vendors included storing food in airtight containers, washing hands with soap and water before handling food, and cleaning utensils properly after use. The hypothesis test results (t=323, p<.05) supported the first alternate hypothesis.

The study concluded that while many food vendors adopted effective waste management practices, there were variations in their implementation. It recommended that BENSESA should conduct comprehensive public awareness campaigns on waste management and disposal methods.