WASTE MANAGEMENT: A TOOL FOR CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Humans need to dispose unused substances as waste. This natural cycle is beyond human control. Though waste cannot be eliminated completely, it can however be managed. Developed countries have gone a long way to manage and re-use such waste. In third world countries like India, Nigeria and other African countries, management of waste is proving a hard nut to crack. It is observed that many houses in Minna metropolis do not have adequate access for waste disposal and collection when necessary. This raises a question as to how the waste generated by occupants of these houses is managed. This paper aims at assessing the current municipal waste management practices in Minna metropolis with a view to suggesting better approaches if need be. In the course of the study, observation plays a key role in identifying the problem in these areas, while structured interview of occupants is used to shed more light on the root causes of the problem(s) observed. Data gathered is collated and analyzed, and from which deductions are made. From the findings it showed that the food remnants formed the highest percentage of waste with about 50% of the wastes examined while plastics waste was at an average of 13%. Recommendations are made as to how best to manage municipal waste in residential area of Minna, Nigeria.