Solid Waste Management in Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid and constant growth of urban population has led to a crucial socio-economic and environmental impact in solid waste management practices. This study focused on identifying waste management problems and evaluating the current performance of waste handlers in Abeokuta. A total of 430 structured questionnaires were administered. Putrescibles were the highest (26.3%) in the waste stream. Of the respondents, 58.14% had no means of estimation of waste; 56.05% do not sort their waste; 41.86% do not have their wastes collected at all; 27.14% recycle their wastes; 47.44% dispose waste through burning; 45.6% pay for waste management services and 42.78% throw their wastes indiscriminately into the nearby bushes. It was recommended that recycling of wastes should be formalized and publicized among residents; waste management planning should not be left entirely to the discretion of the local government. In addition, laws on waste management should be enforced and offenders duly punished.