Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Disposal and Management Challenges in Major Cities in Nigeria: A Case Study of Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

Open dumpsites are common features in cities in developing countries of the world, Nigeria inclusive. The wastes disposed of in these dumpsites can cause a number of public and environmental health risks including surface and groundwater pollution. The objectives of this research are to examine the causes and challenges facing the disposal and management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in major cities in Nigeria, with a view to proffering sanitary or scientific-based solutions to this problem. The method adopted was in-site observation of notorious dumpsites in the study area, interview with stakeholders, discussion with residents around the dumpsites and review of relevant literatures. The result of the investigation shows that unguided disposal and management of municipal solid waste are basically associated with lack of public awareness programmes, limitation in access to effective policies and enforcement on the part of the people and the government respectively, lack of qualified waste workers, poor funding, lack of biological and mechanical waste treatment plants/facilities, and non-usage of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Schemes and community-based approaches in tackling the problem in an holistic manner. The study suggests new approaches that could be used to achieve sustainable and effective waste disposal and management which would support government’s effort in improving solid waste management in Nigeria.