An Assessment of Solid Waste Management Practices of Residents in Abuja Municipalities Nigeria

ABSTRACT

For many developing countries, Solid Waste disposal and management remains a serious problem. Under research problem, Case study of assessment of solid waste Management practices of residents was undertaken in Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Buhari and (AMAC) Abuja Municipal Area Councils Nigeria. Solid Waste disposal practices were investigated through structured questionnaire, Personal interview in the study area. Findings indicated that poor funding, absence of any recycling programs and lack of waste collection services contributed to indiscriminate burning and disposal in public places and within neighborhoods, questionnaire Analyses indicated that soil samples from the dumpsites contains disease vectors, which were very harmful to human and to the environment. People living close to open dump sites were more at risks from disease and foul odor than those living far away. Also research study indicated that 2.9% of the population had no basic education, 1.9% had primary school, 9.1% had secondary education and 67.5% had university education, page 40. Analysis indicated that 2 7% of F. C. T residents practices separating method, 78.9% practices storage method, 26.4% practice burning method, 7.9% practice burying method, 65. 7% practice dumping method, 32.3% practice reduction method, 17% practice recycling and 15.9% practice composition as a means of waste management system, figure 4. 3 page 49 give a clearly explanation. To safeguard the environment and community health, it is recommended that waste authorities should provide appropriate funding for solid waste programs, including waste collection, evacuation of waste and disposal facilities, recycling and training programs, designation and planning of safe sanitary land fills. At household level, The use of 4Rs' Reduce, the consumption of materials that generate large amount of waste, Reuse and Recycle materials instead of throwing them away and Recover energy from waste that cannot be recycled. More practical work and research is required in this area to reduce the environmental degradation associated with solid waste, which pollutes the environment and affect human health and well being either directly or indirectly.