Solid Waste Management Essay

Nigeria with a population of approximately 140m, has recorded 5.5% annual increase in urban cities which poses as a cause of large waste generation (Solomon, 2009). “One obvious consequence of rapid urbanization is the growing generation of solid wastes, and many city authorities face unprecedented challenges in managing these, including problems coping with their collection and disposal”(Ogu, 2000 pg. 103). Solid waste has being identified as a significant issue faced in Nigeria with piles of waste lithered around the cities causing health and environmental problems (Imam et al 2008).

Sha’Ato, (2007) linked the environmental state of Nigeria with her poverty level, explaining that waste management could serve as a tool for productive population and poverty reduction strategy. Kofoworola (2009) pg.1139 defined waste management as “the organized and systematic channelling of waste through pathways to ensure that they are disposed of with attention to acceptable public health and environmental safeguard” while, “Robinson (1986) defines solid waste management as the application of techniques that will ensure the orderly execution of the functions of collection, transport, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste” (Ayotamuno and Gobo, 2004 pg.389).

From the two definitions proper channelization and transportation of waste were emphasized which are key factors to be considered for inception of waste management in a country. Processing, treatment and recycling can only be talked about when proper waste collection system is in place. The effect of waste disposal and poor management on the environments health cannot be over emphasized. Drainage systems are blocked causing flood during heavy down pour of rain due to improper was...

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...akerley and Roberts, (2013), also critically reviewed the trends of Informal Sector Recycling activities in selected developing and transition countries which such activity is claimed to survive in hostile social and physical environments, due to the negative attitude displayed by the Government and public. It was recommended that the ISR should be identified as tool for achieving a sustainable was management in developing countries and integrate the sector into the formal system. Furthermore, six aspects were looked into in order to facilitate the integration of ISR which were: political will, social acceptance, mobilisation of cooperatives, management and technical skills, partnerships with private enterprises, as well as legal protection measures. And, added that the ISR structure should be based on the account of the local context and not as a ‘universal’ model