ADOPTION OF A LANDFILL SYSTEM IN NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE SEGREGATION ON ITS PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ukwaba S.I, *Ikpe A.E, Orhorhoro E.K
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
Municipal solid waste disposal is one of the major environmental problems in Nigeria due to lack of landfill systems and as such; the populace is left with no option than waste disposal at open dumpsites. This study focuses on the decomposition period of municipal solid waste and the viability of such materials when disposed at landfill. 10,000 kg (10 tonnes) each of municipal solid waste was collected randomly from Olusosun dumpsite in Ojota, Lagos state, Nigeria and Lucky four way dumpsite in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Hand sorting was used to segregate the collected waste materials according to its composition. The segregated municipal solid waste was measured with a weighing scale and left to decompose in an open environment for a period of 120 days of which visual observation was used to determine the rate of decomposition of each category of waste. It was observed that food leftovers (2,900 kg) and vegetables (1,900 kg) had the least decomposition time and constituted the highest number of waste collected from Olusosun dumpsite, while food leftovers (2,100 kg) and vegetables (2000 kg) also decomposed with the least time frame and constituted the highest number of waste collected from Lucky Four Way dumpsite. Decomposition time for plastics, metals, ceramics and glass was undetermined, as the 120 days observation period elapsed without decomposition of these materials. Segregation of municipal solid waste before disposal at dumpsite will yield more biodegradables for biogas production.
Affiliations: *Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste, Landfill, Segregation, Disposal, Dumpsite, Solid Waste Management
Published date: 2018/06/30
