Assessment of Solid Waste Generation and Management in Eziobodo Community, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Solid wastes management is a major problem that has reached alarming proportions requiring drastic measures. The increasing difficulty in managing wastes in Nigeria has become one of the most intractable environmental issues. There is unprecedented increase in the rate of wastes generated by the residents. The cardinal aim of the study is to “ascertain the assessment of solid waste management generated in Eziobodo community, Owerri west, Imo state, Nigeria”. To achieve this aim, 140 copies of questionnaires were administered to the residents of Eziobodo community selected at random sampling. Of these, 112 copies of the questionnaire (80.0%) were returned and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed by simple frequency and presented by percentage. The study revealed among others that: residential buildings accounts for the highest generation source of solid wastes in the community and the solid wastes were predominantly nylon/nylon bags/ nylon sachets; food waste, plastic can/rubbers  arranged in their order of severity. Consequently, the effect of the solid waste in the community were; wide and easy spread of disease vectors, soil pollution and easy breed of flies, rats and mosquitoes. Hence the study recommends, sorting of solid waste before dumping, provision of adequate skips and dustbins and ensuring regular collection of wastes. Finally, potential for a sustainable approach to management of solid wastes such as recycling, reuse, energy recovery and waste reduction.