An Integrated Approach to the Management of Municipal Solid Waste in a Typical City in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

A study of the prevailing management of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Ado Ekiti, a city in the southwest of Nigeria was undertaken using desk and field studies. The composition of the MSW derived from on-site waste sampling comprised plastics (28%), food (26%), paper/cardboard (14%), metal (7%), rubber (6%), textile (6%), glass (4%), leather (4%), fines less than 10mm (3%) and wood (2%). Analysis of the MSW shows that the calorific value is greater than the required minimum value of 7 MJ/kg required for applicability of incineration. However, the criteria for a regular supply of refuse derived fuel (RDF) of at least 50,000 metric tons per year required for the applicability may not be met. Furthermore, incineration of the MSW may not be applicable due to its relatively expensive installation costs. An integrated MSW framework comprising reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery (composting), incorporation of the informal sector; public private partnership (PPP); public enlightenment and enforcement of regulatory laws on sanitation is proposed. Active participation of PPP is vital to the implementation of the framework. An engineered landfill is proposed as none exists in Ado Ekiti.