A Review of Local Factors Affecting Solid Waste Collection in Nigeria

Abstract

The knowledge of local and regional factors that affect effective solid<br />waste collection plays an important role in choosing appropriate technology. Waste<br />collection has grown to become a major challenge demanding daily response from waste<br />managers and it becomes inevitable to provide stakeholders with necessary information to<br />aid key decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive and detailed review of<br />local-based factors that affect waste collection in Nigeria. Literature study and on-site<br />observation were used for getting theoretical and useful information on the collection of<br />waste in the study area. The study considered various standard collection technologies<br />and their supporting factors in order to assess the effectiveness of existing methods. The<br />current collection techniques existing in different parts of the country together with<br />unique local factors for these various areas are reported. The findings in many cases<br />reveal that the method of waste collection adopted and equipment used are faced with<br />many challenges. This paper revealed that there is no investment presently made on the<br />existing development plan to initiate a modern waste collection system. The study<br />recommends a new approach that could be used by institutions and government agencies<br />for efficient municipal solid waste collection to achieve sustainable and effective<br />sanitation which will consequently facilitate the development of an aesthetically balanced<br />and friendly environment.