Abstract
One of the key stages in developing sound institutional solid waste management plan is the accurate determination of the amount and characterization of the wastes generated in an organization. The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize the waste generated in Afaka Military cantonment of the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna. The survey covered 8 departments, a cadet’s mess and an equitation wing and totalled 280 samples. The data for this study were obtained from field measurements and interview using structured questionnaire. The results obtained in the cadets’ mess showed food waste recorded the highest amount of waste generated having 822.9 kg/day which represent 59%. This was followed by ash and slaughter house waste with 18% and 16% respectively. The ash was a product of biomass burning as a result of cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner using a traditional three stone setting as means of cooking, while the waste from the slaughter house includes, skin offcut, cow dungs, blood, horns etc. Other results obtained for the components of wastes generated in the cadet’s mess includes plastic waste (3%), paper (2%) and green waste (vegetable offcuts, potato peels, yam feels etc.) (2%). The total quantity of waste generated from the cadets’ mess was estimated at 1392.5 kg/day. The results show an increased per capita waste generation of 0.87 kg/day which is above the national average of 0.5 kg/day. Results from the study shows that at least 73% of the waste from the cantonment can be diverted from going to dumpsite. This amount can be recycled, reused, or used as an energy source. It also revealed that the major recyclable components that have significant presence are plastic, paper, yard waste, and food waste. In conclusion, recycling program in the military cantonment is highly recommended.
Highlights
Sustainable development has forced developing countries to have a focused look at their waste management system including educational institutions
The results obtained reveals that higher amount of waste was generated from food wastes (59%) as shown in Figure 2. 17% was obtained for ash
The study showed that waste generated from the Afaka Military Cantonment reaches an average of 1392.5 kg/day
Summary
Sustainable development has forced developing countries to have a focused look at their waste management system including educational institutions. Mason et al, evaluated the zero-waste program and environmental management structures at Massey University campus, New Zealand. The study showed that linkage between all involved sectors is needed to have a successful program and exhibited the necessity of including a formal waste management system [2]. Sustainable and integrated solid waste management plan incorporating fully developed recycling programs at institutional level becomes an obvious need. Educational institutions in developing countries such as Nigeria are running their solid waste management programs individually or with huge reliance on the government. A reference framework for solid waste management in educational institutions is needed [4].
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