Assessment of solid waste management techniques in Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing environmental protection agencies in developing countries. This study assessed the current solid waste management practices, problems and management in Maitama District, Abuja. The objectives of the study were to identify the structure of solid waste management and the sustainability of the process from generation to disposal. The research made use of structured questionnaires which were administered to residents of Maitama District, Abuja. The study revealed that women are more involved than men in the management of the heterogeneous waste in the study area. Although respondents recommended the services of waste collectors as 98% of them adjudged their services as satisfactory. There is still the problem of poor attitude to payment by residents of the area. The study therefore recommends that there should be more effective involvement of the private sector and greater integration of the informal sector, composting of biodegradable wastes and increased waste recycling and resource recovery can be areas for further development and better means of collection of waste charges should be developed in the study area.