Affordable and sustainable clean energy generation potentials from municipal dumpsites: case study of Oke saje dumpsite, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

The operating method of final waste disposal in Oke saje area of Abeokuta is direct open dumping and burning. This study was conducted at a major dumpsite in Abeokuta, to investigate the existing waste management systems, characterize solid wastes generated, and estimate for the sustainable energy generation potentials. Exploratory study design was adopted for a period of six (6) months, May to November, 2023. Seven (7) randomly selected plots of 1sq.m were located on Oke saje dumpsite, from where solid wastes were collected from top to the depth of 300 mm. Waste components were weighed to obtain the weight-based characterizations. Sorting into major waste components was in accordance with College and University Recycling Council (CURC) grouping system with modifications to accommodate peculiar waste stream generated in Oke saje dumpsite. Waste samples were taken to laboratory to carry our necessary physical, chemical and proximate analyses. Estimated total solid waste generation in Oke- saje, dumpsite was 3,718,832.03 kg (3718.83 tonnes). Estimated energy content of solid wastes was 46370.47MJ. This implies that there is possibility of electricity generation up to 12.881MWh from daily steam production. An integrated solid waste management concept adoptable to Oke- saje, dumpsite, has zero waste concept of about 46 % waste material recyclable (from composting, bio-fuel production and recyclables), with electricity generating potential of 5.923 KWh and 56 % energy recovery (from electricity generation, incineration-derived ash and residual ash for landfilling or soil enhancement), of about 6.956 KWh. Considering the high material recyclability, reusability and energy recovery potentials from solid wastes generated from Oke saje dumpsite, it was recommended that the Ogun State Waste Management Authority adopts affordable, sustainable and integrated waste management options of waste minimization and sorting from the source, reuse, recycling, and incineration of solid waste generated from the large communities within the state.