Strategy for Remediating the Impacts of Solid Wastes on Soil and Groundwater Quality in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The current status of solid waste management in Minna has been reviewed and recommendations for improvements are made. The existing solid waste management system is affected by unfavourable economic, institutional, legislative, technical and operational constraints. A reliable waste collection service is needed and waste collection vehicles need to be appropriate to local conditions. More vehicles are required to cope with increasing waste generation. Wastes need to be sorted at source as much as possible, to reduce the amount requiring disposal. Co-operation among communities, the informal sector, the formal waste collectors and the authorities is necessary if recycling rates are to increase. Markets for recycled materials need to be encouraged. Despite recent improvements in the operation of the existing dumpsite, a properly sited engineered landfill should be constructed with operation contracted to the private sector. Wastes dumped along roads, underneath bridges, in culverts and in drainage channels need to be cleared. Small-scale waste composting plants could promote employment, income generation and poverty alleviation. Enforcement of waste management legislation and a proper policy and planning framework for waste management are required. The mean per capital generation rate for the study areas ranges from 0.513 to 0.515 kg/cap/day. Accurate population and generated waste data should be kept for future planning. Leachates influx through the soil affects groundwater quality. Funding and affordability remain major constraints and challenges.