Management of Sawmill Wastes in Nigeria: Case Study of Minna, Niger State

Abstract

Ways by which sawmills in Minna, handle the waste they generate were evaluated using questionnaires, personal interviews and physical observation. Eight (8) major sawmills were studied. The study revealed that wastes generated by these sawmills consist of sawdust, wood cut-off and bark of log of woods. Wastes are disposed off majorly by open dumping, open burning, domestic usage, bedding for poultry and for landfill. Although most sawmills are aware of the guidelines and regulations governing the treatment and disposal of sawmill wastes, they hardly abide by them. The personnel who are assigned to sanitize the mill environment possess inadequate safety wares. The study also revealed that Environmental Protection Agency/Sanitary Inspectors and the Development control Board in the city inadequately perform their duties. This paper also highlighted the need to enlighten the public, sawmill workers and the government on the dangers of indiscriminate disposal of sawmill wastes.