Sustainable Development Planning: Examining the Mismatch of Urban Solid Waste Management Services in Bauchi Metropolis

Abstract

Municipal solid waste systems are essential components of environmental infrastructure in human settlements. This system comprises all the activities undertaken from the point of waste generation to the final phase of disposal. It is an important environmental health service and an integral part of basic urban services. In most cities of developing world, waste service provision is a responsibility of municipal authorities. However, solid waste generation out-weighed the collection capacities of these municipalities and agencies responsible for waste collection and its management. The problem of solid waste generation and management is also compounded, and increasingly becoming difficult for these agencies due to lack of availability of reliable data on existing waste streams within the metropolis. This study compared the solid waste management service provided by Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA) and the result of a study on waste characteristics and management streams in Bauchi Metropolis. The methodology of the study used waste characterization,, physical interviews, focus group discussion and observations; the results finally established the lacuna between the current situation and the unsustainable waste management services rendered by the municipality which became a bottleneck in achieving a sustainable urban solid waste management services in Bauchi metropolis respectively.. Keywords; Solid Waste, Solid Waste Management, Urban Areas, Environmental Agencies, Bauchi Metropolis DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-3-06 Publication date: March 31 st 2020