Strategy for Remediating the Impacts of Solid Wastes on Soil and Groundwater Quality in Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

The current status of solid waste management in Minna has been reviewed and
recommendations for improvements are made. The existing solid waste management
system is affected by unfavourable economic, institutional, legislative, technical and
operational constraints. A reliable waste collection service is needed and waste collection
vehicles need to be appropriate to local conditions. More vehicles are required to cope with
increasing waste generation. Wastes need to be sorted at source as much as possible, to
reduce the amount requiring disposal. Co-operation among communities, the informal
sector, the formal waste collectors and the authorities is necessary if recycling rates are to
increase. Markets for recycled materials need to be encouraged. Despite recent
improvements in the operation of the existing dumpsite, a properly sited engineered landfill
should be constructed with operation contracted to the private sector. Wastes dumped along
roads, underneath bridges, in culverts and in drainage channels need to be cleared. Smallscale waste composting plants could promote employment, income generation and poverty
alleviation. Enforcement of waste management legislation and a proper policy and planning
framework for waste management are required. The mean per capital generation rate for the
study areas ranges from 0.513 to 0.515 kg/cap/day. Accurate population and generated
waste data should be kept for future planning. Leachates influx through the soil affects
groundwater quality. Funding and affordability remain major constraints and challenges.