ABSTRACT
The aim of this research work was to
assess the amount of municipal solid waste generated in University of
Benin located in Benin-City, Nigeria. Analysis was carried out to
calculate amount of municipal solid waste generated per person per day.
Direct waste analysis and a site-specific study were carried out to
collect waste characterization data and determine the quantity of
generation and components of the municipal solid waste in the campus.
The results from the study were then appliedto determine the best waste
disposal option for the municipal solid waste in University of Benin. To
help obtain the data for the study on a regional basis, areas were
selected from residential, commercial and institutional centres to
determine the total weekly generation of waste (in kg), average daily
generation rate of waste and composition by category of waste.Results
obtained revealed that average daily generation rate in University of
Benin was 0.455kg/person/day which translates into 25,173.33kg of
municipal solid waste per day per the estimated current population of
over 55,325 generated in University of Benin, from daily residential,
commercial and institutional activities. Furthermore, characterization
analysis of the collected waste samples showed that municipal solid
waste generated in University of Benin composed of 30.22% organic waste,
26.67% plastics/rubber waste, 18.65% paper, 11.08% metals,3.70%
miscellaneous, 3.10% inert,2.39% glass/ceramics,2.18% textile,1.03%
electronics and 0.98% leather in University of Benin. Wastes from
building, construction and demolition, and unconventional sources were
not included. The study also showed that since a higher percentage of
non-biodegradable waste were generated; the most suitable waste
management schemes are recycling, composting and sanitary landfills.
Some useful suggestions that will help improve municipal solid waste
management situation in the campus have also been presented.