Religious Camps or Waste Haven: A Study of Waste Management Techniques in Religious Camps along Lagos-Ibadan Express Way

Abstract

This paper examines solid waste management techniques employed in religious camps along Lagos – Ibadan Expressway. It identified the types of waste and quantity of waste generated in the selected camps. A total of two hundred and sixty one (261) questionnaires were administered to respondents in the three (3) camps using simple random sampling technique. Chi square (x²) was used to relate the significance of frequency in solid waste collection and quantity of waste generated while Regression analysis was used to examine relationship between  quantity and volume of waste generated. Likhert scale was used to rank opinion of respondents on waste generation and disposal method as well as their satisfaction with service rendered by waste collection bodies in the study area. The study revealed that a bulk of waste generated is food waste (89.5%) and the least generated is metal (8%). Also majority of the respondents (39.6%) have their waste collected daily, some have their waste collected weekly (32.7%), anytime (22.7%) and monthly (5%). The highest quantity of waste generated in the selected camp is 27kg and the least quantity generated is 0.5kg. Waste generated during special programmes is very high and majority of the respondents are merely satisfied with final disposal method in camp especially in Redeem camp. The study recommends that waste generated particularly by residents should be collected regularly and also disposed in a suitable location. This will undoubtedly prevent littering of waste, offensive odour as well as poor aesthetic value in the camps. Appropriate waste management method like sanitary landfill and structured control tipping should be adopted respectively.

Keywords: Waste, Management, Technique, Religious Camp, Sustainability.