ANALYSIS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN AKURE METROPOLIS, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Waste generation is an unavoidable product of man’s activities, however, effective management of such waste is a challenge faced in many countries today. The seventh goal of the 8 Millennium Development Goals is to ‘ensure environmental sustainability’ with targets on how to halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation and many more. The practice of dumping waste on streets, roads and unapproved sites lead to breeding of rats, flies and outbreak of plagues as well as ecological impacts, such as water and air pollution among others. The study analyzed the various forms of solid waste generated, people’s perception on solid waste management, economic and environmental benefits derivable from effective solid waste management, and problems/challenges facing organization in management of solid waste. The study concluded that waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting are potential management options for Akure, Ondo state. The result of the findings shows that food waste is the highest and ranked first in waste generated within the sturdy area this is an indication that the selected metropolis is mostly residential and less industrial areas. The study’s hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and was found to be not significant. The non-significant relationship that exists between solid waste perception of residents of Akure metropolis and management of solid waste can be revitalized by investing in public orientation and awareness of the residents. The study recommends public enlightenment, environmental and health education, enforcement of environmental and waste disposal protection laws and re-introduction of old sanitary inspectors with corresponding policy statements.