MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN A FAST-GROWING UNIVERSITY TOWN OF OKITIPUPA, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA : CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Increasing population because of the presence of a fast-growing university, amongst other factors, necessitates rising levels of municipal solid waste generation and the concerns for its management in Okitipupa. Therefore, the present study assessed the prevailing Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) techniques, challenges and prospects. Literature review, oral interviews and field surveys through visits to different waste dumpsites in the town, including on-site municipal solid waste analysis, were carried out to obtain information relating to relevant issues of concern. Findings show that food waste (25%) dominates the waste generated in the town, while metal (15%), paper (12.5%), plastic (10%) and others follow, in that order. In the absence of waste collection bins, trolleys, trucks, designated landfills and functional incinerators, open burning, dumping of waste on roadsides and abandoned/ undeveloped plots, drainage and river channels became the popular MSWM techniques adopted by many households in the town. Despite the challenges, opportunities for improved conditions are possible if all stakeholders, especially engineers develop the right facilities and equipment necessary to ensure good practices, including waste conversion to fertilizer and energy. Consequently, it was concluded that the lack of appropriate policy framework for waste management and non-enforcement of rules and regulations regarding urban planning led to unwholesome MSWM practices that are inimical to the environment in the area. Hence, the study recommended creation of an appropriate framework for MSWM by both public and private agencies, construction of engineered landfills at strategic locations to minimize waste dumping on inappropriate land surfaces, adoption of pay-as-you-generate policy, amongst others