ABSTRACT

Managing wastes from oil palm industry encompasses environmental impacts of the palm oil manufacturing process and waste water generated; which are mainly decanter cake, empty fruit bunches, seed shells and fibre from mesocap. Hence there is an urgent need for a sustainable waste management system to tackle these waste products. As these waste products are organic in origin, they and rich in plants nutrients. The aim of this study is to assess the progress made in waste management by the Nigeria palm oil milling sector towards the path of sustainable development- the utilization of renewable resources in harmony with ecological systems. Inclusive in this definition is the transition from low value-added to higher value-added transformation. of wastes into resources. This research work was divided into two phases, the feasibility study from which structured questionnaire was developed to assess people's ability toward i-nill waste management and the statistical analysis carried out to get the results. Treated palm oil mill effluent is utilized for cropland application by plantation-based palm oil mills. However, independent mills, such as Seasons Fatni Nig Ltd, discharge treated palm oil mill effluent into receiving waterways in accordance with environmental parameters. Biogas from palm oil mill effluent and biomass energy from solid wastes is potential sources of renewable energy in Siat Nig. Ltd. In. general, the wastes from palm oil milling are returned to the field for cropland application, utilized in-house or in the plantation, or sold to third parties. Thus, there is progress made towards sustainable development. The addition of new technologies and replacement of old mills will help to reduce environmental pollutions. If the biogas and biomass renewable energy sector were to take-off, enhancement in the value chain would occur and further progress towards sustainable development can be attained.