Project Abstract

Abstract
Recycling and reuse have emerged as crucial alternatives to traditional waste management strategies in Nigeria. With the increasing population and rapid urbanization in the country, the generation of waste has become a significant environmental challenge. This research project focuses on exploring the potential of recycling and reuse as sustainable solutions to waste management in Nigeria. The study examines the current waste management practices in Nigeria, highlighting the inefficiencies and environmental consequences of landfilling and incineration. By analyzing the existing waste collection and disposal systems in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the research identifies the need for a shift towards more sustainable practices. Through a review of literature on successful recycling and reuse initiatives in other countries, the project identifies best practices that can be adapted to the Nigerian context. Case studies from countries like Sweden, Japan, and Germany provide insights into effective waste separation, recycling infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. The research also investigates the socio-economic benefits of recycling and reuse in Nigeria. By promoting a circular economy model, where waste materials are recovered, processed, and reintegrated into the production cycle, the country can reduce its reliance on raw materials and create new opportunities for job creation and economic growth. Furthermore, the study assesses the challenges and barriers to implementing recycling and reuse programs in Nigeria. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited public awareness, and insufficient government support are identified as key obstacles that need to be addressed to promote sustainable waste management practices. In conclusion, this research project emphasizes the importance of promoting recycling and reuse as viable alternatives to traditional waste management in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities, the country can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to managing its waste. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on waste management practices in developing countries and provide valuable insights for policymakers, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders interested in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.

Project 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.

Municipal Solid Waste Management 2 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.

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.

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.