Evaluation of Solid Waste Generation, Categories and Disposal Options in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Nigeria

Abstract

The quantity and generation rate of solid wastes in Nigeria have increased at an alarming rate over the years with lack of efficient and modern technology for the management of the wastes. The generation rate, collection and disposal of solid wastes are functions of several factors which if well considered and appropriated could bring the desired solution to the waste management problems in Nigeria. The quantity and rate of solid waste generation in several cities in Nigeria, factors influencing the generation, solid waste types and categories, collection, disposal, reuse and recycling, and environmental problems were investigated in this study. The results indicated large generation at high rate without a corresponding efficient technology to manage the wastes. Of 201 respondents to questionnaire in Abeokuta, 35.8% used waste collection services, 64.2% used other waste disposal options, 16.4% used both, 68.7% and 58.7% were aware of waste collection service and waste management regulations, respectively; while 28.4% separated their solid wastes at source. @ JASEM Solid wastes could be defined as non-liquid and non-gaseous products of human activities, regarded as being useless. It could take the forms of refuse, garbage and sludge (Leton and Omotosho, 2004). Cities in Nigeria, being among the fast growing cities in the world (Onibokun and Kumuyi, 1996) are faced with the problem of solid waste generation. The implication is serious when a country is growing rapidly and the wastes are not efficiently managed. Waste generation scenario in Nigeria has been of great concern both globally and locally. Of the different categories of wastes being generated, solid wastes had posed a hydra-headed problem beyond the cope of various solid waste management systems in Nigeria (Geoffrey, 2005), as the streets experience continual presence of solid waste from commercial activities. Various researchers have undertaken to study solid waste generation pattern in Nigeria, but most of the studies are usually a case study of a particular state or locality in Nigeria; and it seems the awareness about solid waste generation in several other cities are obscured. This paper attempts to expand the scope of knowledge of solid waste generation beyond a particular locality; and by reviewing the available literatures and analyzing the information, to create such awareness that those who are in the field of environmental management may put all hands on deck to rescue Nigeria from the menace of solid waste generation. The review is necessary to give policy makers and every sector involved in environmental management a better view of the state of solid waste generation in Nigeria.). Ogbonna et al (2002) have observed that little or no attention is given to some traditional suburban settlements for provision of waste collection and disposal services. Abeokuta, a traditional city in Nigeria, now to be found on the lane of increasing population due to