Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) Management in High Population Density Areas of Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities on the environment have resulted in the deterioration of the environment, especially in high population density urban areas. The generation of municipal solid wastes (MSW), along with fossil fuel combustion and deforestation have been linked with ecosystem degradation. The study assessed the MSW disposal practices and its challenges in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolitan areas of Kaduna State. A total of 760 questionnaires were administered randomly to residential, institutional and industrial areas. 85% questionnaires were returned and subjected to descriptive analysis. Over 70% of the respondents generated 0 -1kg of MSW, mainly recyclables (35%), soiled (24%) and organic waste (21%), of which a majority use refuse dumps (64.3%) and incineration (11.3%) to dispose MSW. 16.9% agreed that MSW are recyclables, while 66.4% view MSW as farm manure. Recycling MSW (37.5%) was advocated as the best control measures of MSW generation, although, inadequacy of MSW management facilities and equipment are considered to be the major challenge affecting ample MSW management, which can lead to pollution of various natural resources. Thus, it is recommended that public enlightenment on the dangers of indiscriminate MSW disposal should be intensified.