Determining Spatial Locations of Major Recyclable Solid Waste Collection Points, Using GIS in Minna Metropolis, Nigeria.

Abstract

In Minna, both toxic and non-toxic wastes are dumped in the same trash dump by the residents. Lack of requisite data on accumulated waste, which includes a lack of awareness of the existing collection points where large volumes of recyclables can be sourced from and dumped, has contributed to the low level of recycling practices in Minna metropolis. The goal of this study therefore, is to determine the spatial locations of existing recyclable solid waste collection points in the study area, so as to provide requisite data for easy accessibility to waste collection points. Data were sourced from field survey and Google Earth Imagery. Seven locations within Minna Metropolis were areas considered for this study. Coordinates of recyclable waste collection points were imported to Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) environment on the georeferenced base map of Minna, which was used to generate point maps that show the location of existing solid waste recycling facilities/collection points. It is concluded that there are Sixteen (16) major waste collection points within seven (7) areas of Minna, which are all managed by informal recyclers. 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.