Thesis Abstract

Landfill emissions are a significant environmental concern in Nigeria, impacting air quality, climate change, and public health. This research project aims to investigate the types and quantities of emissions released from landfills in Nigeria, as well as their potential effects on the environment. The study will focus on characterizing the composition of landfill gas, which is primarily made up of methane and carbon dioxide, with smaller amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gases. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change, while VOCs can react in the atmosphere to form smog and contribute to air pollution. In Nigeria, the rapid urbanization and population growth have led to an increase in waste generation, putting pressure on existing landfill sites. As a result, poorly managed landfills release significant amounts of methane and other gases into the atmosphere. These emissions not only contribute to climate change but also pose health risks to nearby communities through exposure to air pollutants. The research will involve field measurements of landfill gas emissions at selected sites across Nigeria, using gas analyzers and other monitoring equipment. By quantifying the emissions of methane, VOCs, and other gases, the study aims to assess the environmental impact of landfills and identify potential mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the project will investigate the regulatory framework and policies related to landfill emissions in Nigeria, examining the enforcement mechanisms and compliance levels among landfill operators. By evaluating the existing regulations and their effectiveness, the research will provide insights into the gaps and challenges in managing landfill emissions in the country. Overall, this research project seeks to increase awareness of the environmental consequences of landfill emissions in Nigeria and contribute to the development of sustainable waste management practices. By understanding the sources and impacts of landfill gas emissions, policymakers, and stakeholders can implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and protect public health. Keywords Landfill emissions, methane, volatile organic compounds, air quality, climate change, Nigeria, waste management, environmental impact, greenhouse gas, regulatory framework.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Cities are at the nexus of a further threat to the environment, namely the production of an increasing quantity and complexity of wastes. The estimated quantity of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated worldwide is 1.7 – 1.9 billion metric tons.2 In many cases, municipal wastes are not well managed in developing countries, as cities and municipalities cannot cope with the accelerated pace of waste production. Waste collection rates are often lower than 70 per cent in low-income countries. More than 50 per cent of the collected waste is often disposed of through uncontrolled landfilling and about 15 per cent is processed through unsafe and informal recycling. Landfill Emissions

Municipal Solid Waste Management

As a Mayor, you may have to face challenging waste management decisions addressing issues that require immediate attention as well as potential issues that require strategic and integrated planning and implementation. Establishing and improving facilities for collection, recycling, treatment and disposal for MSW management can be very costly. For example, building and operating sanitary landfills and incineration plants require huge investments and incur substantial operation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable locations for waste treatment facilities due to the prevalence of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) attitude amongst communities. Landfill Emissions

Meanwhile, if waste is growing at 3-5 per cent a year and rural-urban migration increases a city’s population at a similar rate, then a city’s waste generation will double every 10 years.4 Urban managers are therefore encouraged to pursue the paths of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs) that place highest priority on waste prevention, waste reduction, and waste recycling instead of just trying to cope with ever-increasing amounts of waste through treatment and disposal. Such efforts will help cities to reduce the financial burden on city authorities for waste management, as well as reduce the pressure on landfill requirements. We live in a world of increasing scarcity. Raw materials from natural resources are limited, financial resources are often insufficient, and securing land for final disposal is getting more difficult. Landfill Emissions

Clearly, city authorities should set policy directions aiming for resource efficient, recycle-based society if they are to provide a clean, healthy and pleasant living environment to its citizens for current and future generations. Although waste management responsibilities primarily lie with cities and municipalities, many of the successful cases in waste management involve a wide range of stakeholders in their implementation, as can be seen in the case studies cited here. This gives a clear message to cities and municipalities that they should not try to do everything by themselves. Rather, the key to success is to do what they are good at, and collaborate with other sectors in the society, such as private sector, communities and in some cases with the informal sector, in the interest of expanding waste management services and improving efficiency and effectiveness. Landfill Emissions