Comparative Analysis of Solid Waste Collection in Enugu Urban Nigeria

Abstract

Current system of waste collection methods and facilities in Enugu Urban in Nigeria have become a significant and growing problem because it is grossly inefficient and ineffective. This research work evaluated the methods of solid waste collection in Enugu Urban by ESWAMA and suggests a plan for further comprehensive management. To collect data for the study, the collection crew of the existing ten zones were used. Random sampling was used in the zone to collect appropriate number and quality of respondents for our questionnaires and interview. Analysis of the data showed that there is a problem of indiscriminate dumping of solid waste in all the zones due to irregular and inefficient collection of solid waste and lack of suitable and adequate dust bins for the solid waste collection. The available and required total number of containers for haul container system are 28 and 265 respectively while for stationary container system are 684 and 1062 respectively. The average total cost in haul container system is N4,782,507.67 while that of the stationary container system is N17,585,808.41. The average efficiency of the collection crew for both haul and stationary container systems are 75.5% and 63.9% respectively. These results show that the haul container system is associated with higher efficiency and more less cost when compared to the stationary container system and as such is preferable. In order to improve waste management in Enugu state more suitable dust bins should be provided and professionals employed to manage waste. The government should provide more funds to the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) to set up basic infrastructures needed for effective solid waste collection. Adopting these measures will improve the state of the Enugu urban environment with regard to solid waste collection.