Integrated solid waste management: a palliative to existing waste management challenges in Jabi-District, Abuja

Abstract

Effective solid waste management is the collective responsibility of a nation’s citizens and its government. For a sustainable built-environment, urban infrastructure will need to better meet the prevailing challenges of city environments with respect to: energy and water scarcity;  pollution  and  emissions;  traffic  congestion;  crime;  waste  disposal;  and  safety  risks  from ageing  infrastructure. As a concept, Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) is a sustainable practice underpinned by an increased capacity for material recovery from solid waste. However, an effective ISWM depends largely on the perspective of consumers on waste generation, collection and disposal. This survey is a qualitative appraisal of solid waste management practice in Jabi district of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, against the backdrop of solid waste best practices. The survey tools used were literature reviews, structured questionnaires, oral interviews/ focus group discussion and observation of the case study area over a one-year period.  Questionnaire responses indicated that a waste collection routine by service providers exists and that the frequency of evacuation depended on the quantity of household waste generated. Survey results also indicated the following challenges to effective solid waste management in the case study area; non-sorting and bagging of waste at collection stage; poor/ inadequate infrastructure and machinery; a relaxed enforcement of the provisions of the ratified environmental regulations, etc. Possible solutions and recommendations toward a more sustainable built environment for Jabi are also proffered in accordance with global best practices.

Keywords: Solid waste management, Urbanization, ISWM, Non-sorting, Best practices