WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY: A STUDY OF SELECTED WASTE MANAGEMENT FIRMS IN LAGOS STATE

Human activities have always generated waste. This was not a major issue when the human population was relatively small and nomadic, but this became a serious challenge with the urbanisation and the growth of large conurbations. Poor management of waste led to contamination of water, soil and atmosphere and to a major impact on public health. In medieval times, epidemics associated with water contaminated with pathogens decimated the population of Europe and even more recently, cholera was a common occurrence. Some of the direct health impacts of the mismanagement of waste are well known and can be observed especially in developing countries. Hence, this study examined the relationship between waste management and business sustainability in Lagos State, Nigeria. Descriptive research design with a population of over 1000 members of waste management society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter. A sample size of 195 was selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was administered and respondents’ responses were analyzed using regression analysis through Statistical Package for Social Sciences. It is based on the result that was derived from the analysis that the findings were made that there is a significant effect of waste reduction on environmental sustainability; waste re-use has a significant influence on economic sustainability; waste recycling significantly influence on technological sustainability; waste disposal significantly impact social sustainability; and waste recovery significantly enhance business continuity. The study concluded that waste management to an extent has effect on business sustainability. The study also established that strengthening infrastructure, such as roads, equipment, and human resources, has a positive impact on the waste management system's performance. To design an efficient waste management strategy for any city, decision-makers responsible for solid waste management planning and routing must have correct information. This study established that the sustainability of a waste management system necessitates the efficient integration and control of the three main factors: economic, social, and environmental. This study provides the foundation for building a sustainable waste management system for these rapidly rising urban regions in Nigeria