Abstract:

One of the observable impacts of rapidly growing urbanization and economic development in emerging cities is witnessed in the form of heaps of municipal solid waste (MSW). Current estimates in Nigeria reveals an annual solid waste generation of 25 million tones with an urban growth exceeding 6.5% per annum.  The  generation  rate of  municipal  solid wastes  in  Ota metropolis,  Ogun  State,  Nigeria, have increased  at  a  disturbing  rate  over  the  years  with  lack  of  efficient  and  modern  technology  for  the management of the wastes. This paper presents the current state of solid waste management adopted in Ota  and  its  associated challenges.  Four  locations  where  the  waste bins  are located  were  selected. A representative sample of 280 kg was used for the waste characterization and the result shows that about 64% of the wastes are recyclable with lots  of organic  waste that  comprises of  food and  agricultural waste which can be used as compost. The study revealed that there is presently no investment made to the existing development plan to introduce  a  modern waste  management system and the community lacks  awareness on  the  effect of  sanitation practice. The study  suggests new approach  that could be used  by  institutions  and  government  agencies  to  achieve sustainable  and  effective  sanitation  and possible wealth generation potentials that could be harnessed from the waste stream.