Selection of Suitable Landfill Site for Waste Disposal in Ilorin Metropolis Using Geographical Information System

Abstract

Rapid urbanization globally has aggravated and worsen the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in cities, especially the developing countries. This article underscores the pressing need for effective waste management solutions from the unruly contamination of soil and groundwater, or improper waste disposal and focuses on the selection of suitable landfill sites using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. With a global increase in MSW generation, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the environmental and health consequences of open dumping is hazardous. The study employs Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within the GIS environment, considering criteria such as elevation, slope, aspect, soil properties, proximity to roads, water bodies, and settlements. The analysis integrates diverse data sources, including remote sensing and soil databases, offering a comprehensive evaluation of topographical factors, soil characteristics, and accessibility. Results indicated that approximately 29.73%, falls under the category of “Restricted Area,” totaling 18,887.18 hectares. High Suitable areas cover 15.85% of the region, comprising 10,070.28 hectares, while “Very High Suitable” areas, though minimal in coverage at 0.02%, represent nearly perfect sites totaling approximately 12.35 hectares. The results offer valuable insights into landfill suitability, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable waste management strategies.