Assessment of Disposal and Management of Solid Waste in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria (A Case Study of YOSEPA)

Abstract

This research assesses the solid waste management problems and implication in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria; the data was generated through primary and secondary sources. 50 questionnaires were administered to households, civil servants, and YOSEPA staff. Direct survey and public interview were conducted. The finding of the study revealed the following: 41 (82%) of the respondents were male while only 9(18%) were female, of which 31 (62%) have been living in Damaturu for more than 2 years. The type of soil wastes generated mostly were organic 30(60%) which are biodegradable, and 35(70%) of the solid waste is dispose of in open land by the inhabitants. Most houses contained 1-5 people 33(66%) 34(68%) respondents revealed that YOSEPA is managing their waste to some extent, 11 (22%), 5(10%) by confer and other organizations respectively. With only 2(4%) of respondents sorted their waste before disposal (which is the first step in proper waste management). Most of the respondents dispose their waste on daily basis 37(74%). Based on the interview, wastes in the environment have some implications to human health and aesthetic nature of the environment. Inadequate financing, low workforce and lack of adequate machinery are the major factors hindering the performance of the agency. The results have provided baseline information on one of the major environmental problems of Yobe State, recommendations were forwarded for addressing the solid waste management problems in the study area and the state.

Keywords: Solid waste, Disposal, Management, Agency,     Environment, Damaturu