Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Minna and Environs.

Abstract

Solid waste disposal problem in urban centres such as Minna in most developing countries is a major concern to both the governments and residents of the area; this problem has become most worrisome in Nigeria where the generation is always on the increase because of increase in population and some socioeconomic factors. Data for this study were obtained through the administration of questionnaires, direct interview and review of existing literature. The data obtained from the field were analyzed using pie chart. A total of three hundred questionnaires were distributed to some selected residents and business centres in Minna. For the various age groups 50 questionnaires were distributed per group. 56% of the respondents keep their waste containers inside the building, another category keep their containers outside their homes while business areas have a common collection points where the wastes are collected by the waste disposal agencies. 5% of the respondents admitted that they keep their containers in the curb side of their building while 25% of the respondents keep their containers outside their building. 60% of the generated wastes are disposed off on the major streets of Minna for the waste disposal agencies to collect while the second largest disposal method is the collective burning of the waste while 5% of the generated waste is burnt off by the respective owners. 63% of the respondents stated that the wastes generated were collected regularly by those in-charge while 37% stated otherwise. On further questioning, 61% of the respondents do not have an idea of those who collects their waste from wherever they are placed or dumped while 1% of the respondents stated that their wastes are disposed by the some community groups. It was concluded that people of the study area had poor attitudes and perceptions toward solid waste handling. They would store their household refuse in substandard refuse containers such as old buckets, sacks, baskets, polythene bags, and boxes that had no coverings.