An Assessment of Solid Waste Generation, Disposal, and Management in Ado-Ekiti Metropolis

Abstract

Waste generated by man, from diverse dimensions such as domestic, industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities, is not adequately managed, resulting in environmental land degradation and eventual threat to the physical environment. In Ado Ekiti, considerable volumes of waste are generated at an alarming rate due to population increase and urbanisation. In this study, primary and secondary sources of data were used. The primary sources include observation, interviews, focus group discussion, and the administration of 216 copies of the questionnaire randomly in the core areas of Ado-Ekiti, which are wards 1, 9, and 12. Secondary data was collected from the Ekiti State Waste Management Board and the Ministry of Environment. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis such as tables, frequencies, and percentages. Findings revealed haphazard dumping of solid waste in unauthorised locations such as drainages, streams, waterways, streets, vacant lands, and uncompleted buildings, resulting in recommendations to manage solid waste through collaborative efforts among individuals, government agencies, and non-governmental organisations. The research also concludes that reusing and recycling solid waste will go toward sustainable solid waste management.