Status of Solid Waste Management in Kaduna and Bauchi of Nigeria

Reliable database is a requirement to support policies and decision-making for efficient solid waste management. The aim of this study is to establish the status of solid waste management by assessing solid waste generation and composition, characterization, collection methods and the effectiveness of existing practices and strategies in Kaduna and Bauchi State. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather data on waste management practices and awareness, willingness to sort at source and to pay for proper waste management. Solid waste generation, composition and characterization including bulk density, moisture content, were established by site and laboratory analysis. 100 houses per city were surveyed in Bauchi and Kaduna with the population of 669 and 675 respectively. 0.25kg/capita and 0.35 kg/capita were recorded in Bauchi and Kaduna respectively. The waste is predominantly food waste for both Bauchi (47.1%) and Kaduna (53.5%) and recyclable fractions of 29.4% and 26% respectively. Bulk density was established at 412.3 kg/m3 and 407.8 kg/m3 for Kaduna and Bauchi with moisture content at 40% and 60%. Calorific values and volatile solids obtained were 10.3MJ/kg and 46% for Kaduna and 18MJ/kg and 50% for Bauchi. 2% of the households in Kaduna partially sort waste and 13% and 27% of the households in Bauchi and Kaduna reuse the plastic bottles. Meanwhile, 35% and 41% of the residents showed willingness to separate waste at source in Bauchi and Kaduna respectively. Although treatment at household level was nonexistent, 60% of the residents indicated a willingness to treat with adequate technical knowledge. The predominant disposal methods of open dumping and burning pose environmental and health risks, emphasizing the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure and awareness campaigns. Despite these challenges, the community's willingness to engage in proper waste management practices underscores the potential for positive change through education and implementation of effective waste management.