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ABSTRACT The study evaluates sawmill waste, its uses and effect in Benin metropolis. Based on 50% sampling intensity, 7 sawmills were randomly selected. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages summarized in tables and charts and inferential statistics with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significance. Ducan multiple range test were used to separate the means of variables that were significant at 5% level of significance. The results showed that sawdust and bark (100%) were the most generated wood waste in the study area. The mean volume of log converted, lumber and wood waste generated from the sampled sawmills per month was approximately 464, 283 and 181m3 respectively. Coughing (100%) was the major health challenges experienced by the sawmill staff. This was closely followed by chest pain (94%), then nose congestion (78%) and running nose (72%). The least health challenges were eye irritation (69%) and prickly heat (44%). The results showed that majority (45%) of the household affirmed that they used the wood wastes for domestic cooking. 30% of the household uses the wood wastes as bedding materials for livestock, while 20 and 5% sold and uses the wood wastes for charcoal production respectively. The methods of disposing the wood wastes employed by the sawmill operators in the study area could not harness the environmental menaces caused by its presence around the study area.
