Solid Waste Management and Disposal System
Chapter One
STUDY AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The study evaluates solid waste management and disposal systems to create wealth and promote a sustainable environment. The specific objectives are to:
- examine the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of waste management entrepreneurs (WMEs) in the study area
- identify the sources and destinations of recyclable Municipal Solid Waste, in Zaria metropolis; iii.analyse the quantity of waste materials (metal scraps, plastics and cans) recovered, reused, transported for recycling.
- identify the type of uses recyclable materials are put into in the study area.
- examine the socioeconomic benefits of waste management to waste management entrepreneurs (WMEs) in the study area.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Waste management
Generally solid waste management system can be classified into three categories which are municipal solid waste; industrial solid waste; and hazardous solid waste management.
Municipal solid waste management is an essential public service that benefits all urban residents. These are defined to include refuse from households, non-hazardous solid (not sludge or semisolid) waste from industrial and commercial establishments, refuse from institutions, (including non-pathogenic waste from hospitals), market waste, yard waste and street sweepings.
Sometimes, construction and demolition debris is also included. Industrial waste is generally referred to as a material from a manufacturing process that has no value to the manufacturer and that has to be disposed of in some manner.
With rising economic standards and with many imported consumer goods (particularly food items), Nigerians increasingly have access to packaged goods, often using plastics, which makes waste disposal difficult. The development and widespread use of new packaging substances such as plastics have improved the standards of living for millions, but they have also introduced new threats to the environment, as typified by the histories of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated bi-phenyls (PCBs). Thus, industrial development also brings in its wake problems of environmental pollution and generates hazardous waste that often needs abatement.
A waste classified as hazardous by definition and convention usually has one or more of the following four characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity. These definitions show that a wide range of substances of different physical forms (liquid, gaseous, solid, or in solution) fall into the class of hazardous materials which may become waste. Hazardous wastes have been known to cause serious environmental and epidemiological disasters as a result of the lack of or inadequate handling and management of these wastes.
Although some developed countries have institutionalized waste management policies, in many African countries solid waste management policies either not existing or at best are fragmentary. For example, Cameroon with a population around 14 million of which half is living in towns does not have door to door solid waste collection programme. Thus, in many cases, solid waste disposal points are spontaneously created along the most accessible roads around the areas. Depending on the performance of the official collecting system, the disposal points are more or less important. Traditionally, organic waste is also used for feeding domestic animals and as fertilizer in gardening (composting). At times, fire is used to burn heaps of waste. This creates toxic smoke, which is detrimental to health (Richard et. al., 2002).
Despite the increase in awareness, waste management system in many third world cities is seriously challenged (Tevera, Conyers and Matovu, 2002).In the late 1990s, it was estimated that each person in the world generated 200 kg of solid waste per year (UNCHS, 2001) and this was expected to increase with the growth in population. It is estimated that in 2006 the total amount of municipal solid waste generated globally reached 2.02 billion tonnes, representing a 7% annual increase since 2003. It is further estimated that between 2007 and 2011, global generation of municipal waste would have risen by 37.3%, equivalent to roughly 8% increase per year. Based on reports from its participants, The Basel Convention estimated that about 318 and 338 million tonnes of hazardous and other wastes were generated for 2000 and 2001 respectively (Global Waste Management Market Report, 2007).
Regional studies revealed varying patterns among developed and developing areas. For instance Mukuka and Masiye (2002), reported increase in population growth and waste produced in Lusaka, Zambia. A more alarming example was also found in Indonesia‘s region of Jabotatek, which includes Jakarta, where population growth was fast and waste generation rate was estimated at 50,000 m3/day or 7 million tonnes per year (Otten, 1997).
With increase in population, urbanization and industrialization including globalization, in Nigeria, the challenge of solid waste management (SWM) in the country has increased and even now more complex. Contributory factors to the challenge include inadequate regulatory framework that has manifested in lack of interest of private sector investment in service delivery (infrastructure); uncoordinated institutional functions; low political will, low capacity to discharges duties, poor data information for planning, wrong attitude of waste generator amongst others. Yet on the increase is the demand for sustainable waste management service for public health and environmental protection. However, the above generality in SWM in Nigeria, the commitment of the Lagos State Government towards sustainable waste management has made Lagos state a model for other states in the country.
Presently, the rate of waste generation in Lagos (with estimated human population of over 10 million in 2012) is 9, 000 tonnes/day while in Kano State, the rate is 3, 849 tonnes/day. Generally, the average rate of generation is estimated as 0.5kg/capita/day. Biodegradable waste account for over 50% of waste generated with other component estimated at different composition in different States. A study carried out by the Bayero University Kano Consultancy Unit (2012) estimated the following composition for polythene/cellophane as 19%, paper 12.7%, metal 10%, glass 8.7%, plastics 11.3%, ash, dust and sand 12%, miscellaneous 9% while a study by the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa (2009) reveals that 70% of all imports were used electronic electrical equipment of which about 30% could be described as E‐Waste. Generally, all waste streams are stored together in either bags or containers (such as used buckets) and plastics waste bins. Lagos state waste management authority (LAWMA) provides 240 litres bins for households after annual payment of the Land Use charge through the Land Records Company (Iriruaga, 2012).
CHAPTER THREE
Research Methodology
Study Area
Location
Zaria lies between latitudes 11°00‘N-11° 12‘N and longitudes 7° 36‘E-7° 45‘E (see Figure 2.1). It is about 85 km north of Kaduna. Zaria is one of the seven historical Hausa States, and it is situated within the undulating high plains in the southern part of Hausaland of northern Nigeria. It is the administrative head quarter of Zazzau Kingdom (Musa, 1993).The area lies on about 300-900 metres above sea level (Ogunleye, 2006).
Zaria urban area as used in this study is made up of two local government areas; Sabon Gari and Zaria. The study area comprises several suburbs such as Samaru (where Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria is located), Hayin Dogo, Zango, Palladan, Hanwa, Chikaji, Muchia, Government Reserve Area, Sabon-Gari, Gyellesu, Tudun-Wada, Tudun-Jukun, Tukur-Tukur, Zaria city and Wusasa. These suburbs grew differently, but have almost merged together to become an urban centre known as Zaria (see Figures 2.1 and 3.1).
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF
RESPONDENTS
A total number of 252 solid waste collectors were involved in the study. Their socioeconomic characteristics have inference on solid waste collection and were discussed under age, gender, educational and marital categories and religion. Other issues are income and ethnic composition.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential for municipal solid waste reuse/recycling as waste management strategies in Zaria metropolis to create wealth and promote a sustainable environment. The objectives of this research are to: examine the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of waste management entrepreneurs; identify the sources and destinations of recyclable municipal solid waste; analyse the quantity of waste materials (metal scraps, plastics and cans) recovered, reused and transported for recycling; identify the type of uses recyclable materials are put into in the study area; and examine the socioeconomic benefit of waste re-use and recycling. A total of 252 scrap metal/plastic collectors, scavengers and artisanal recyclers‘ were studied using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Tables, percentages, charts and multiple linear regression techniques were used for the analysis.
The study established that majority of the waste collectors within the twelve localities of Zaria were less than 20 years old. The implication is that the trade is more attractive to the very young ones. As expected, the majority of the people involved in the trade, as indicated by the survey results are of Hausa/Fulani ethnic composition with 86.5%. In fact, 31.7% of the respondents claimed that their highest level of education is Quranic education compared to 0.8% that has acquired tertiary education. Generally, the low educational level of the respondents indicates that formal educational qualification is not a major determinant of being an actor in this type of business. Only about 24.6% were engaged in other occupation like petty trading, restaurant operation, security service, casual/industrial work, farming etc. while 75.4% were not engaged in other occupations.
Cans and aluminium, scrap metal, assorted plastics, are the major materials that attract waste entrepreneurs in Zaria. Waste collectors‘ utilize multiple sources, including individual houses, institutions, landfill/dumpsites, restaurants etc compared to single sourcing of usable materials. Greater quantity of the recyclable materials still circulate within Zaria since most of the scavengers find it difficult transporting and absent of recycling plants, they sell to major dealers. About11.1% of major dealers of scrap metals and plastics convey such goods to Lagos and Kano. The collectors surveyed expressed that most of the plastics are also utilized locally and people from neighbouring State and Local Government areas such as Katsina and Makarfi, Giwa and Soba obtain these products.
The study notes that majority of the waste actors about 61.5% collect less than 100 kg of valuable waste materials every week. In contrast, 23.4% comprising artisanal recyclers and some scrap metal collectors (major dealers) collects above 600 kg of waste per week. Products produced by artisanal recyclers from cans and scrap Aluminium includes majorly pots and frying pan. A relatively high proportion (56.7%) of plastic collectors disposes the assorted plastics to those involved in reuse like, bottling of locally made drinks (Zobo and Kunu), traditional herbs and honey. Also some reuse and sell plastic bottles. The survey indicates that the average monthly income generated especially among some of the actors from scrap metal/plastic bottle collection, scavenging and artisanal recycling was discovered to be above N 16, 000. 00 which is at par with the minimum wage for civil servants in the study area, about ten (10) scrap metal dealers earn up to about N200, 000 in a month. Also their income is strictly as a result of waste activity and not from other source(s) or occupation. A 1kg of scrap metal cost between N30-N35 in Sabon-Gari, Tudun-Wada, Wusasa, Gaskiya etc. and between N20-N25 in Samaru, Palladan,
Basawa etc while a dozen of plastic bottles cost between N30 and N50. Major dealers revealed that they pay mostly between N100000 to N120000 per standard truck in the movement of recyclables to recycling places outside Zaria and that a tonne of recyclables in recycling industries is worth between N42000-N47000.
Solid waste activities in Zaria provide jobs and livelihood to vulnerable groups (widows, retirees, young etc.) especially those with low level of formal education. Some WMEs (scrap metal collectors) employ as high as seventeen persons; while some in waste business don‘t have people working for them but are self employed especially scavengers and plastic collectors. Most waste actors were aware of waste as a threat to the environment like litter, disease outbreak, reduces environmental aesthetics, flood.
The challenges militating against solid waste activities in Zaria are categorized into: lack of a functional recycling plant; provision and subside on trucks that convey valuable materials to the required destination; lack of protectors and payment especially to scavengers or every individual involved in waste management from government for keeping the environment clean.
CONCLUSION
By adopting the wealth aspect from waste or treating solid wastes as resources, in terms of waste management strategy has effectively become not only a service but an instrument for alleviating poverty. Government should not only conceive waste management as a means of service delivery but a war against poverty and poor living environment. The future prospect of scrap metal/plastic collection, scavenging and artisanal recycling is envisaged to be prosperous and can offer livelihood opportunities for poor people if the process of collection remains unaltered. However, price fluctuation and the cost of conveying especially scrap metals to recycling plants outside the study area have negative influences on the motivation for the job and the realization of good incomes adequate enough to meet improved standards of living for members that are still new in the business.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The study has shown the characteristics of solid waste re-use/recycling as waste management strategy as well as the potentials to create wealth and promote a sustainable waste management in Zaria metropolis. Based on such findings, recommendations were developed to promote solid waste re-use/recycling situation in Zaria metropolis.
Specific recommendations
A holistic and people-focused approach in empowering the unemployed to make choices for their livelihoods should be the key focused of intervention. Within this framework, the collaboration of all stakeholders such as WMEs, municipal solid waste management agencies, government agencies such as the ministries of trade, labour and state security to dialogue and design policies and regulations that will address issues of scrap metal/plastic price, price fluctuations and cost of conveying the materials from collection points to recycling plant and also make provision for a functional recycling plant in Zaria. This will strongly improve the actors income.
The implementation of the policies and regulations from ISWM should be strictly adhered to. The policies and regulations should take into cognizance the importance of all stakeholders and harmonize their difference so that the exploitation of a category of stakeholder (e.g. scavenger) by the other (for instance major waste dealers) is minimized.
It is suggested that solid waste activity being an informal sector should be transformed into a more formal sector which will in turn bring about better organization of the sector, hence making it more attractive thus, paving ways for lots of job opportunities for a good number of both unskilled and skilled people residing in Zaria. This can be achieved through involvement of non-governmental organization (NGO) to provideappropriate public awareness, tools and educational programmes concerning the benefits of solid waste management.
The WMEs should be encouraged to form strong and functional association with educated and influential leaders that will take their case to appropriate government authority. Lack of diversification was observed from the results of the field work, that majority of the respondents were restricted to waste activity and not diversifying into other activities. Diversification if encouraged will add extra income and promote more employment opportunities.
Alternatively, public and private participation (PPP) arrangement should be encouraged to collaborate with WMEs thereby, generating more job opportunities, with a wage adequate to meet improved socio-economic conditions of living for WMEs where issues of social security, work accidents insurance and the provision of working tools, equipments and protective clothing will be well taken care of.
The development of the capacity of the unemployed to appreciate opportunities from waste management that will meet the socio-economic needs of their living conditions should be a fundamental objective of poverty eradication and human development. Government and nongovernmental organizations should take the leading role in the formulation and implementation of multi-dimensional policies and the empowerment of the jobless so that their development in terms of capacity building will sustainably be achieved.
The institutional framework for waste management in Zaria
Field investigation revealed that Kaduna State Environmental Protection Authority (KEPA) is a state agency with a zonal office in Zaria where relevant information was brought. KEPA was established in 2006 and it is a state agency by 1999 constitution of Kaduna state. It was disclosed that all waste management issues are under the authority of local government councils; the state government only provide policies and guidelines for the local government councils to adopt. However, the state government can only intervene when the volume of waste in Zaria and its environs is beyond the capacity of the local government authority to handle. In Zaria, since the inception of KEPA, the state government only intervened twice in October, 2010 when there was an outbreak of cholera.
Regarding the types of waste, the agency does oversee the affairs of both solid waste and effluent from some of the few industries in the study area. It was discovered that charges depend on whether the waste is biodegradable or non-biodegradable though the minimum charge per tonne of both degradable and non-biodegradable waste is N10, 000 for collection and disposal.
With respect to disposal, there are 4 not officially designated landfills in Zaria. Two of them are, along Jos road. There is also, a disposal point along Zaria bye pass, while the other, is along Kano express way (Sakadadiroad).
Landfills in Zaria are not enough and the environmental implications as revealed by the agency‘s spoke person are that waste are indiscriminately disposed to create unsanitary outlook and other effects like environmental degradation, outbreak of diseases like diarrhea, cholera etc and that landfill which is the only means of disposal are very close to residential areas and are not properly managed.
Environmental health unit under Sabon Gari Local Government Council (Kaduna state) has been in existence since 1992 and were solely into collection of solid waste from major dump sites in Zaria. The Department is funded by government and they collect solid waste 3 times annually from the community without charging them. The unit‘s spoke person further revealed that an organization like Al-amin Refuse Collection and Disposal is a profit-oriented Non Governmental Organization that charges the community as they collect their waste. The organization carries out this activity weekly and the charge depends on the volume of solid waste; the least charge is N 2,000- N 5,000 Naira weekly.
Solid wastes when collected by this unit are finally disposed in the 4 not officially designated landfills in Zaria as earlier stated by KEPA zonal office in Zaria. Notable environmental implication include; constitute breeding ground for rodents and insects, bad odor, water pollution and same implications as revealed by KEPA zonal office in Zaria.
As demonstrated from the work that solid waste recycling and re-use was actually a vital source of income. The actors in recycling and re-use activities solely depend on waste pickers (scavengers) for a greater percentage of most of the waste valuables they utilize and in turn the wealth they generate. There is a need to formally recognize the role of waste scavengers notable among which are; they operate on a daily basis unlike environmental health unit workers under Sabon Gari local government area that operate only 3 times annually.
Zaria local government area and KEPA‘s operation as regards waste collection are also not regular; increasing the aesthetics of the environment by picking the huge volume of most of the waste disposed indiscriminately on the environment; reduce the breeding ground for mosquitoes, rodents and other vectors that causes diseases to man; reduce the prevalence of air and water pollution among others.
This is a clear indication that solid waste pickers, artisanal recyclers and actor‘s involved in re-use and recycling activities contribute more in terms of waste collection than the government owned agencies in the study area. Their contribution to safe guarding the environment is good enough for support and be incorporated into the state environmental protection agency since they fall within a well institutional framework which the agency is part
Recommendations for further research are as follows:
- Morbidity and ill-health implication of waste scavenging in Zaria, Nigeria.
- Waste to Wealth from ‗Tinka’ and Itinerant waste sellers and environmental sustainability in Zaria, Nigeria.
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