SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in solid waste generation, resulting to the heaps of refuse along major streets and roads in most cities of Nigeria, and other developing countries. The need to control this ugly situation with an effective system to make our environment pristine, healthy, and supportive prompted this work. The study involved gathering of field information to reveal the major types and sources of solid wastes, their modes of management and the environmental and health implications to direct the study. Four research questions and one hypothesis were formulated. The instrument used was a questionnaire which was administered to 580 respondents selected from the study area (Owerri and Environs). The findings showed the predominant management method was open dumping system. Majority of the respondents indicated awareness of the adverse health and environmental impacts of improper solid waste management. Generally, the waste management methods adopted were found to be ineffective and an integrated waste management system was therefore advocated