Characterization of wastes and their recycling potentials; A case study of East-West Road, Port Harcourt.

Abstract

Wastes along the Port Harcourt axis of East –West Road from Choba Bridge to Rumukwurushi tank were studied. This study was based on the characterization of wastes and its recycling potentials. Eight different waste receptacles were studied. Wastes in these receptacles were characterized and their recycling potentials evaluated. Predominant wastes at each receptacle were identified through direct waste sorting and characterization. Waste scavengers were interviewed to appreciate the trend of waste sorting and characterization in Port Harcourt. Common waste discovered at the receptacles were cartons, papers , animals bones, plastics , aluminium plates, nylon bags, ceramic materials, vegetable stems, hospital wastes, old and damaged electronics, old computers, photocopying machines etc. The wastes in the area could be grouped into municipal wastes and they express the type of activities carried out within the study area. Recycling potentials of the characterized wastes were identified and the likely benefits of waste recycling emphasized. It was observed that: plastics could be recycled into fleece jacket; aluminium cans could be shredded, ground and melted to form another aluminium sheet. Bottles, glass and ceramics were observed to be recycleable into their original products. Vegetable stems and garbage could be used to produce compost and animal bones crushed and used to produce vim. Other combustible materials could be used as fuel. Awareness on recycling should generally be encouraged in society. @JASEM

Key words: Solid waste, waste characterization, recycling potentials, waste scavengers