Domestic Solid Waste Management in a Rapidly Growing Nigerian City of Uyo

Abstract

This paper investigated domestic waste management procedures in the fast growing Nigerian city of Uyo. The city of Uyo was demarcated into three Zones A, B and C respectively representing high, medium and low income residential areas. The quantity and classes of waste generated in the city were measured. Using questionnaire, relevant information on waste storage, collection, disposal and recycling were obtained. The result showed a marked variation in domestic waste types generated across the three zones reflecting the income levels of the inhabitants. The highest total weights were generated in the middle income zone while the lowest values were reported in the low income zone where waste storage in polythene bags was also common. Daily collection of waste was confirmed in the high income zone whereas waste littering characterized by overfilled receptacles was common in the middle and the low income zones respectively. Waste dumping in drain/gutters was the major feature of zones B and C and because less reusable materials formed a greater part of the waste generated in this zone, the activities of scavengers dropped compared to Zone A where more reusable waste was generated. A number of recommendations were made to help improve domestic waste management in the city. These included, among others, the closure of all waste dump sites without liners and the establishment of sanitary landfills for the city in addition to encouraging both private agencies and informal labour waste collection activities.