Waste Generation and Management Practices in Residential Areas of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the generation and management of solid wastes in residential areas of some selected tertiary institutions in southwest Nigeria, to provide insights into existing waste management approaches, so as to provide sustainable avenues for institutional policy improvement. It was conducted for a period of six months (June to November 2012). The wastes were collected, sorted, weighed and classified according to their components. Also, questionnaires were administered to the unit heads in charge of waste management in the different institutions. The study shows that of the average waste generated per day in the residential areas of the institutions, food waste exhibited the highest percentage generation at 48%, 62% and 32% in the student, senior and junior staff residential areas, respectively. This was followed by plastic related materials with respective percentage generation at 18%, 7% and 19%. Other important waste materials identified in the study include e-waste, metals and textiles. The results also revealed that high income earners generate more wastes than low income earners. The high composition of non-biodegradable wastes from these results bears implication of the requirement for alternative waste management solutions for sustainable and environmental friendly waste management system in the university community. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n4p45