Challenges of Waste Disposal and Performance of Management Authorities in Akure Markets, Nigeria

The management and disposal of market waste has become an issue of concern to various environmental stakeholders. Due to the potential health risk of solid waste on human and environmental health, the research becomes imperative. The study area is the centre of a commercial city of Akure. The object of this research work was to investigate the key factors contributing to poor waste disposal practices and evaluates the performance of waste management authorities in major markets in Akure, Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed-method approach; data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 284 (traders and buyers) respondents across selected markets. The findings reveal that irregular waste collection, inadequate disposal facilities, and weak enforcement mechanisms are primary causes of poor waste disposal. Furthermore, the performance of waste management authorities was found to be suboptimal due to infrequent evacuation schedules, insufficient manpower, and lack of community engagement. The study recommends improved funding, stronger enforcement of sanitation policies, and increased participation of private waste contractors to enhance market sanitation.