Challenges of urban waste management in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Waste generation is an integral aspect of human existence that is unavoidable. It is a product of resource use process that has the capacity to be inconveniencing and harmful leading in extreme cases to pollution with resultant epidemics and catastrophic consequences. Therefore, waste generated through human activities need to be properly managed through concrete efforts, to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. The purpose of this research is to examine the challenges of waste generation, management, collection and disposal mechanism in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data collection was carried out through a field survey using personal observations, structured interviews and questionnaire administration. Findings revealed that about 30,350 metric tons of Municipal Solid Waste, (MSW), is generated per day in Uyo urban centre. The study further shows that inadequate equipment coupled with understaffing at the State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources engender accumulation of waste in several parts of the town. The results of this study will hopefully generate recommendations for sustainable waste management development in Uyo.

Keywords: waste generation. waste collection. waste disposal. waste management. biodegradable.