Unlocking The Value of Waste: A Case Study of Minna Metropolis.

Abstract

Effective management of waste is now a national priority. Recycling of waste, encompasses a method of classification, sorting, leveling, lessening and reuse of waste products. In Minna, toxic and non-toxic wastes are not collected separately by waste management agencies, but are deposited in the same dumpsite or in sanitary landfills, usually close to communities and available to scavengers, creating challenges to human health. Recycling is still at an elementary level in Minna due to lack of requisite data on accumulated waste, unavailability of facilities to transform waste to useful products, lack of proper environmental awareness and inability of the government to promote waste recycling by drafting policies and offering support to private waste management companies. Therefore, the goal of this study is to identify various types of recyclable solid waste generated in Minna, their sources and destinations, and potentials for wealth creation and a sustainable environment. Field survey, Questionnaires administered to scavengers, and interviews with waste dealers and fabricators revealed various types, sources, destinations and potentials of recyclable solid waste. Data acquired was analysed using Descriptive statistics. Scavengers acquire various types of recyclable solid wastes from different sources. These wastes are collected and sold to waste dealers within Minna, who sell to recycling companies outside the metropolis, due to lack of government policies or interventions and necessary facilities for recycling. Solid waste recycling has the potential to provide financial stability, income and job opportunities for the residents, while still reducing the volume of waste in circulation and conserving the environment of Minna metropolis. Proper environmental awareness and Government intervention to promote waste recycling by drafting policies and offering support to private waste management companies will improve the level of recycling practices within Minna