ABSTRACT
The paper examined the household waste management practice in zaria kaduna, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained through administration of structured questionnaires to a random size of population in the areas that have the highest heaps of solid waste on the major streets and open spaces. Oral interviews and field observations were also carried out for holistic and detail assessment of the environment. Secondary data were obtained from desk review method; information on environmental issues resulting from poor management of municipal solid waste were obtained from relevant literatures. The results of the findings clearly show that major streets, several open spaces and even water ways are been used as refuse dump sites. The composition of the household waste in the city is heterogeneous; it contained both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials which are mostly e-wastes, plastic and polythene materials. The study also reveals that most of the refuse dumps are left unattended to for a long period. The study further shows that population growth and uncontrolled urban expansion are responsible for the continuous growth of these refuse heaps at the shoulders of the major streets, open spaces and water bodies. Therefore, the paper recommends that a strong legislation with severe sanction be put in place and they should be a continuous public enlightenment on the danger of municipal waste to the general public. It is also recommended that available market be created for these waste that can be recycled
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A study of the environment on the cusp of the twenty-first century is an exciting endeavour as we attempt to move from confrontation to co-operative problem-solving and place the study of the environment on a sound scientific basis. At the dawn of creation there was a perfect balance between man and his environment. Due to human activities on earth the stable equilibrium between man and his environment was broken and hence the resultant environmental problems. As humans we are part of the environment and the way we interact with the environment influences the quality of our lives.
The daily activities of humans in order to obtain their basic needs and nutritional requirements to sustain a healthy life generate a lot of unwanted materials. Household wastes are defined as “the unwanted remains, residues, discarded materials or by-products which are no longer required by the initial user” (Nyang’echi, 1992). Household wastes are the by-products of human activities which include the processes of preparation, manufacture, packing, repacking, unpacking, and construction and renovation of structures. Household wastes fall under the following classes: domestic wastes, industrial wastes, street wastes, commercial wastes and hospital wastes.
Due to the rapid increase in population, movement of people to metropolitan areas and expansion in industries, much pressure has been placed on household waste management and the task of household waste management has become difficult. Volumes of household waste in towns will run in millions of tons and would accumulate if not collected. It is now an undebatable fact that for humans to safeguard, control and promote the environment there must be some appropriate facilities for household waste management. In the absence of such facilities solid domestic waste will pose a significant health menace.
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