Management and Disposal of Municipal Solid Wastes in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Proper waste management is a fundamental key to environmental sustainability. In this study, the municipal solid waste management and disposal methods in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria is presented. The characteristics and composition of these wastes and the environmental issues associated with its management are also investigated. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain primary data from a random size of population in the areas that have the highest accumulation of heaps of solid wastes in the Government designated waste dumping sites and open spaces on the major streets within the metropolis. Environmental and health issues arising from the unsustainable management of the wastes were assessed from oral interviews and field observations in the study areas. The results indicates that the waste dump sites (designated and non-designated) on the major streets and several open spaces are left unattended for long periods such that the rubbish heaps; encroach on the roads thereby limiting the road users access, generate serious air pollution issues, constitute significant nuisance when blown over by winds, and distorts the aesthetic view of the metropolis. The results also show that the composition of the wastes in the metropolis is heterogeneous because it contains both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials such as e-wastes, plastic, polythene materials, hospital wastes, and hair designers wastes amongst others. The study strongly recommend that Ebonyi State Environmental Protection Agency (EBSEPA) be made to sit up on their functions while Government should strongly consider introducing "waste to energy" as a way of curbing the menace of waste management and simultaneously solving the energy needs of the State.