Source Specific Quantification, Characterisation and Management of Solid Waste in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria

The most important aspect of solid waste management is the quantity and characteristics of waste to be managed. Lapai town lacks data on quantity of waste generated and their characteristics for efficient and sustainable waste management. This study is the quantification, characterisation and management of solid waste in Lapai. The study employs the method of source specific quantification and characteristics of the solid waste generated in Lapai because there is no effective landfill and no efficient functional system of waste collection and disposal. 300 questionnaires were administered to selected houses/business premises. At these 300 sampled premises, the solid waste were sorted out, characterized and weighed. The data generated was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that of the average waste generated per day, food waste has the highest percentage generation of 20%, followed by polythene and plastics with 16% while wood pieces and saw dust has the least with 2%. For efficient and sustainable solid waste management in Lapai it is recommended that Lapai Local Government Area Council should establish a proper waste management agency in line with the constitutional mandate on refuse disposal enshrined in the fourth schedule of Nigeria constitution. There is the need to reintroduce sanitary inspectors, embark on sustained environmental education and a land fill should be developed and managed properly, just as other methods of waste disposal such as incineration, composting and recycling should be considered.Key words: Solid waste characterisation, waste quantification, waste storage facilities, wastedisposal, landfill, sanitary inspector