ABSTRACT

 This study ascertained solid waste generation and management practices in Makurdi urban households. Specific objectives included quantifying the overall solid wastes generation rate and also generation rates in specific categories, identification of wastes receptacles in use as well as prevailing methods of solid wastes disposal. Also solid wastes management practices and concerns of the households were studied. An initial 200 households were randomly selected across household density areas (high density household areas, medium household density area and low density household area) and questionnaire was administered. Another 60 households across density areas were then randomly selected from the 200 initial households for daily waste collection over a one-week period. Seven research questions were answered, and a H0 hypothesis was tested. Findings were analyzed using frequency distribution, means, and Z-test statistics. About 77000 tonnes of solid waste per annum are estimated for Makurdi urban households, with food and kitchen waste and fines (ash, dust, sand) respectively accounting for highest waste turnouts. At 5% significance using Z[1]statistics, no significant differences exists in waste generated in households in relation to family size, i.e., population of a household has no significant effect on the wastes quantities it generates. 80% of households actually collect waste in containers, while dumping (disposal) in nearby uninhabited spaces/areas, constituted the major disposal option. Lacklpoor collections by public collectors constituted the most pronounced problem faced by households; with householders acknowledging that the involvement of the private service providers would greatly tackle their solid waste management problem. It was established also that, no neighbourhood collaboration among households exists in solid waste management. Recycling is not considered by majority of the households, even though for reuse, almost all the respondents to varying degrees reuse materials especially paper, metals and glass. Payment for solid waste management services was acknowledged, with amounts Nl00 per household unit highly preferred. It is proffered that enlightenment/education on waste minimizing considerations particularly adjustments in consumption/production patterns and lifestyles, as well as exploring the possibilities of generating fuel from waste as a poverty alleviation strategy be encouraged and developed. Also public authorities should work out realistic tariffs for waste management services, in view of willingness on the part of households to pay for such services if provided, noting also that, household population is not necessarily a function of high waste generation volume. The need for households to collaborate in managing their solid waste collectively towards better sanitary environment is strongly stressed.