Project Abstract

Abstract
The management of solid waste in Nigeria has become a significant environmental challenge, with the proliferation of landfills being a common method of waste disposal. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria on the environment, public health, and communities living in proximity to these sites. The research will investigate the composition of solid waste in landfills, leachate production, gas emissions, and overall environmental degradation caused by these disposal sites. Additionally, the study will analyze the health implications of living near solid waste landfills, focusing on respiratory issues, water contamination, and the spread of diseases. Social factors such as reduced property values, stigmatization of communities near landfills, and socio-economic impacts will also be examined. Furthermore, the research will explore the existing policies and regulations governing solid waste management in Nigeria and their effectiveness in mitigating the negative effects of landfills. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach will be employed, including field surveys, interviews with stakeholders, and data analysis. Quantitative data on waste composition, leachate quality, and gas emissions will be collected and analyzed to assess the environmental impact of landfills. Qualitative data from interviews and community surveys will provide insights into the social and health effects of living near these disposal sites. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on solid waste management in Nigeria and provide valuable information to policymakers, environmental agencies, and communities affected by landfills. The results will help in identifying areas for improvement in waste management practices, developing more sustainable disposal methods, and enhancing public health interventions in areas near landfills. Overall, this study seeks to raise awareness about the impact of solid waste landfills in Nigeria and advocate for more environmentally friendly and socially responsible waste management practices. By understanding the challenges posed by landfills and exploring potential solutions, this research aims to promote a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations in Nigeria.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

Solid wastes comprise all the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid, discarded as useless or unwanted. Also included are by- products of process lines or materials that may be required by law to be disposed of (Okecha 2000). Solid waste can be classified in a number of ways, on the basis of sources, environmental risks, utility and physical property.

On the basis of source, solid wastes are again classified as: Municipal Solid Wastes, Industrial Solid Wastes and Agricultural Solid Wastes. Nigeria’s major urban centres are today fighting to clear mounting heaps of solid waste from their environments.

These strategic centres of beauty, peace and security are being overtaken by the messy nature of over flowing dumps unattended heaps of solid wastes emanating from household or domestic or kitchen sources, markets, shopping and business centres. Solid Waste Landfills.

City officials appear unable to combat unlawful and haphazard dumping of hazardous commercial and industrial wastes which are a clear violation of the clean Air and Health Edicts in our environmental sanitation laws, rules and regulation. Refuse generation and its likely effects on the health, quality of environment and the urban landscape have become burning national issues in Nigeria today. All stakeholders concern with the safety and the beautification of our environment have come to realise the negative consequences of uncleared solid human wastes found in residential neighbourhoods, markets, schools, and central business districts in our cities.

These solid wastes have become recurring features in our urban environment. It is no longer in doubt that our cities are inundated with the challenges of uncleared solid wastes. As a result, urban residents are often confronted with the hazardous impact to their collective health and safety. The hue and cry over the health consequences of exposed and fermenting rubbish have not been quantified, although their impact is noticeable, especially in times of epidemic in congested activity nucleicivic centres, CBDS, neigbhourhoods, etc.

A United Nations Report (August 2004) noted with regret that while developing countries are improving access to clean drinking water they are falling behind on sanitation goals. At one of its summit in 2000 (Uwaegbelun 2004) revealed that The World Health Organization- (WHO 2004) and United Nations International Children Education Fund- (UNICEF 2004) joint report in August 2004 that: “about 2.4 billion people will likely face the risk of needless disease and death by the target of 2015 because of bad sanitation”.

The report also noted that bad sanitation – decaying or non-existent sewage system and toilets- fuels the spread of diseases like cholera and basic illness like diarrhea, which kills a child every 21 seconds. The hardest hit by bad sanitation is rural poor and residents of slum areas in fast-growing cities, mostly in Africa and Asia . Solid Waste Landfills.