Solid Waste Characterization at Classified Solid Waste Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue X, October 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Solid Waste Characterization at Classified Solid Waste Dumpsites in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

LOREMIKAN, Abayomi George.
Institute of Geo-Sciences and Space Technology
Rivers state university, Nkporlu- Oroworukwo, Portharcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTS: Background: Municipal or household wastes are often generated from several sources where variable human activities are encountered. This study is to conduct waste characterization survey at solid waste dumpsites around markets, Semi- industrial and residential areas
Materials and Method: On the spot site waste segregation with the use of human scavengers was conducted at each of the fifteen (15) waste dumpsite. The major equipment used are: 25liters plastic bucket, medium size weighing scale of 0 to 150kg range and hand shovel, Data were obtained in percentages of the total solid waste at each of the dumpsites. The mean percentages as per each classified dumpsite were graphically analyzed.
Results: At Market dumpsites, dominant waste constituents were: Plastic bottles and food/organic > Polyethylene nylon > paper > glass bottles. Whereas in the semi- industrial areas: Plastic bottles >Polyethylene nylon > food waste > Paper. In the residential area, the major constituents were: Food/organics 30% > Polyethylene nylon 25% > Plastic bottles 22% > paper 15% > Glass 5%.
Conclusion, Waste characterization survey shows that Food/organic, paper, plastics, polythene are the major constituencies at all solid waste dumpsites. Batteries and bulbs also occur but small in quantity.

Keywords: Solid Waste, Characterization, Markets. Semi-industrial, Residential Dumpsites

I. INTRODUCTION

Municipal or household wastes are often generated from several sources where variable human activities are encountered. Several studies indicate that much of the municipal solid waste from developing countries are generated from households (55–80%), followed by commercial or market areas (10–30%) with varying quantities from streets, industries, institutions among others (Nabegu 2010, Nagabooshnam 2011, Okot-Okumu, 2012). Waste from these sources are highly heterogeneous in nature (Valkenburg et al. 2008.) and have variable physical characteristics depending on their sources; notably in their composition are food waste, yard waste, wood, plastics, papers, metals, leather, rubbers, inert materials, batteries, paint containers, textiles, construction and demolishing materials and many others which would be difficult to classify.The characterization of waste by manual sorting consists of separating the different fractions that compose it to determine the nature of each fraction, in what percentage it is found. This type of study provides objective knowledge and data on that waste. Its results allow us to define the monetary return to entities according to the degree of separation at source, to carry out quality controls, to evaluate the performance of separation equipment, to orient the campaigns to increase sensitivity, define action plans and even predict the need for large infrastructures depending on the fractions managed in large urban areas. The knowledge of the fractions that make up a specific type of waste is a very important indicator of the degree of awareness of the population regarding recycling. In summary, the data in this report can be used in local planning to: Develop approximate estimates of total MSW generation in an area, check locally developed MSW data for accuracy and consistency, account for trends in total MSW generation and the generation of individual components, help set goals and measure progress in source reduction and recycling (including composting).

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