Environment, Health and Wealth Issues of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Southwestern Nigeria: The Example of Ota. Ogun State

One of the observable impacts of rapidly growing urbanization and economic development in emerging cities is witnessed in the form of heaps of municipal solid waste (MSW). Current estimates in Nigeria reveals an annual solid waste generation of 25 million tones with an urban growth exceeding 6.5% per annum. The generation rate of municipal solid wastes in Ota metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria, have increased at a disturbing rate over the years with lack of efficient and modern technology for the management of the wastes. This paper presents the current state of solid waste management adopted in Ota and its associated challenges. Four locations where the waste bins are located were selected. A representative sample of 280 kg was used for the waste characterization and the result shows that about 64% of the wastes are recyclable with lots of organic waste that comprises of food and agricultural waste which can be used as compost. The study revealed that there is presently no investment made to the existing development plan to introduce a modern waste management system and the community lacks awareness on the effect of sanitation practice. The study suggests new approach that could be used by institutions and government agencies to achieve sustainable and effective sanitation and possible wealth generation potentials that could be harnessed from the waste stream