Solid Waste Generation and Disposal by Informal Sector Participants in Barkin Ladi Town Plateau State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The present paper examines solid waste generation and disposal by informal sector participants in Barkin Ladi town Plateau State, Nigeria. A reconnaissance survey was conducted in 2017 which provided the basis for the classification of informal commercial activities in the town, while sites where informal activities clustered in the town were mapped. Nine major spatial clusters were identified. From the reconnaissance survey, a total of 1,878 informal land use activities were identified which formed the sample frame for the study. A total of 187 questionnaires were administered on three categories of informal sector activities in the area. The findings revealed that 41% of waste materials generated by the informal sector are biodegradable and include polythene bags, plastics material, glass and metals. 54.5 percent of 187 dispose their waste in open spaces and on streets. The study concluded that informal sector participants have low educational training hence, their care for environmental quality is low, their waste disposal methods are crude which leads to poor sanitation, health hazard and poor urban environment. In addition, general organization of solid waste collection and disposal are also very poor. The study recommends the adoption of the ‘R^3’ of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle solid waste generated by informal sector activities especially those in tertiary services and trading categories for a healthy environment and efficient solid waste management in the study area. Educating informal sector workers on the dangers of environmental degradation, dumping of refuse in open spaces and other planning regulations, and the benefits of an organized urban environment. Organizing informal sector workers into co-operative societies so as to provide forum to educate them and enjoy government assistance.

Keywords:  Solid waste, generation, disposal informal sector, participants