ASSESSMENT OF WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES OF

RESIDENTS IN SOMOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

BY

OMOBI, DENNIS OVUOKERIE

MATRIC NO: 160906035

OCTOBER, 2021

i
 ASSESSMENT OF WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES AND ATTITUDES OF
RESIDENTS IN SOMOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

BY

OMOBI, DENNIS OVUOKERIE

MATRIC NO: 160906035

SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES,

UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF BARCHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.) DEGREE, IN GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT,
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS

SUPERVISOR:

DR. A. O. DARAMOLA

OCTOBER, 2021

ii
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that OMOBI DENNIS OVUOKERIE with Matriculation Number

160906035 carried out this research work titled: Assessment of Waste Disposal Practices and
Attitudes of Residents in Somolu Local Government Area under my direct supervision and
that this research work has not been previously submitted for the award of any degree in this or
any other university.

OMOBI DENNIS OVUOKERIE _________________ ___________________

(Student Researcher) Signature Date

DR. A. O. DARAMOLA __________________ ________________

(Supervisor) Signature Date

PROF. T. BABATOLA _________________ _________________

(Head of Department) Signature Date

iii
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to God Almighty my creator, my strong pillar, my source of inspiration,
wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He has been the source of my strength throughout this
program and on His wings only have I soared. I also dedicate this work to my Aunty; Dr. Mrs.
Janet E. Ofo who has encouraged me all the way and whose encouragement have made sure that
I give all it takes to finish that which I have started, and also to all my friends and lecturers in
GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT.

iv
 ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

My deepest gratitude goes to God who has provided all that was needed to complete this project
and the program for which it was undertaken for. There was never lack or want. Throughout this
entire study, He took care of everything that would have stopped me in my tracks and
strengthened me even through my most difficult times.

My sincere appreciation also goes to my supervisor, DR. A. O. DARAMOLA whose

contribution and constructive criticism has pushed me to expend the kind of efforts I have
exerted to make this work as original as it can be. Thanks to him I have experienced true
research and my knowledge on the subject matter has been broadened. I will never forget you sir.
I must not fail to appreciate all the lecturers who have taught me throughout my stay at the
department. My profound gratitude also goes to MR. AJI and MR. TAMARA who helped in
directing me and also giving me guides on the how to carry out this research work.

My utmost regard also goes to my guardian DR. MRS. JANET ENUMERUKE OFO who
painstakingly laid the foundation for my education giving it all it takes. I am and will forever be
grateful to my loving mother MRS. FELICIA OMOBI who has given everything possible and
even unceasing prayers and important things to make sure I achieve this feat. I cannot find the
words that express my gratitude. I also want to thank my big sister Ms. EUNICE OKATHO for
her endlessly supports throughout this research. Words cannot express how grateful I am for
your kindness and generosity. And my siblings, the big boys in the house, Ajiri-Oghene Ofo and
Oreva-Oghene Ofo, thank you so much guys for being there for me through thick and thin. When
I thought I couldn‘t go on any longer, you gave me strength and hope to keep moving forward.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Title Page ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of Contents vi

List of Tables x

List of Figures xii

List of Abbreviations xiii

Abstract xiv

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 5

1.3 Aim and Objectives 6

1.4 Research Questions 6

1.5 Scope of the Study 7

1.6 Justification of the Study 7

1.7 Study Area 8

1.7.1 Physical Characteristics of the Study Area 8

1.7.2 Climate and Rainfall 8

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1.7.3 Soils 9

1.7.4 Vegetation 9

1.8 Definition of Key Terms 11

CHAPTER TWO: LITERAURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction 12

2.1 The concept of waste management 12

2.2 Predominant Waste Disposal Methods 13

2.3 Population growth, industrialization and waste management 14

2.4 Complexity of waste management process Waste generation and management in Lagos 15

2.5 Public Perception and Awareness of the Effect of Poor Waste Disposal on the

Environment 16

2.6 Implications of Study for Flood Management and Municipal Waste 17

2.6.1 Municipal Solid Waste Management 18

2.6.2 Relationship between Municipal Solid Waste and Flooding 22

2.7 Inorganic waste management in developed and developing countries 24

2.8 Risk Perceptions and Experiences of Residents Living Nearby Municipal Solid Waste

Open Dumpsite in High and Low Elevation Areas 27

2.9 Constraints on inorganic waste disposal in the developing countries 28

2.10 Global advances in sustainable options for inorganic waste management 32

2.11 Summary of literature review 35

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CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction 38

3.1 Design of the Study 38

3.2 Population of the Study 38

3.3 Data Acquisition 38

3.4 Data Collection 39

3.5 Research Instruments, Data Collection and Validation 39

3.5.1 Identify predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local Government Area 41

3.5.2 Evaluate the variation in resident perception of open dumping in the high and low

elevation areas of Somolu Local Government Area. 41

3.5.3 Assess the relationship between flooding and predominant waste disposal methods

in the area. 41

3.5.4 Establish the implications of the study for municipal waste and flood management 41

3.6 Sample and Population Size 41

3.7 Data Analysis and Statistical Presentation Techniques 44

3.8 Limitation of the Methodology 44

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.0 Introduction 45

4.1 Demographic Data 45

4.2 Objective 1: Identify predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local

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 Government Area. 50

4.3 Objective 2: Examine the variation in resident perception of open dumping in

high, medium and low elevation in the study area. 54

4.4 Objective 3: Assess the relationship between flooding and predominant

waste disposal methods in the area. 56

4.5 Objective 4: Establish the implications of the study for municipal waste

and flood management in Lagos State. 61

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction 62

5.1 Summary of Findings 62

5.2 Conclusion 64

5.3 Recommendations 64

References 65-69

Appendix 70-72

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Sex Distribution 45

Table 2: Age Distribution of the Respondents 45

Table 3: Educational Qualification of the Respondents 46

Table 4: Occupation of the Respondents 46

Table 5: House rent/Annum (₦) 47

Table 6: Monthly Income 47

Table 7: Duration of stay in Somolu 48

Table 8: Types of Accommodation 48

Table 9: Type of occupier 49

Table 10: Number of floors 49

Table 11: Types of floor Occupiers 50

Table 12: What type of waste comes out from your household 50

Table 13: In what type of container do you collect waste 51

Table 14: How often is the waste container emptied? 51

Table 15: Where do you usually put away collected wastes? 52

Table 16: Are there any public bins near your house? 52

Table 17: If there are public bins, how often are they emptied? 53

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Table 18: How can you describe the state of the public bin near your house? 53

Table 19: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in high elevations? 54

Table 20: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in medium

elevation? 54

Table 21: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in low elevation? 55

Table 22: Have you ever experienced flooding in this your

neighborhood? 56

Table 23: Frequency of flooding in a month 56

Table 24: What is your opinion of the frequency of flood events in your
neighborhood in the last five years? 57

Table 25: How do you perceive the rate of flooding in the area? 57

Table 26: What factors contribute to flooding in your area? 58

Table 27: Rank the contribution of each of these factors to flooding in

your area 59

Table 28: What effects of flooding in the area have you or others

experienced? 60

Table 29: Quality of the environment in Somolu as compared to the environment you had

5 years ago 60

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Location of Somolu within Lagos Metropolitan Area 10

Figure 3.1 Number of Questionnaires to be distributed per Street 42

Figure 3.2: Wards in Somolu Local Government 43

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATION

MSW..................................Municipal Solid Waste

LAWMA…………………Lagos State Waste Management Authority

PSP………………………Private Sector Participation

LGA………………………Local Government Area

FEMA…………………… Federal Emergency Management Agency

RCRA…………………….Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

CBO………………………Community-Based Organizations

GPC……………………… Generation Per Capita

LASIEC………………….. Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission

SPSS……………………… Statistical Package for Social Sciences

xiii
 ABSTRACT

According to Robinson (1986), solid waste management is described as the purposeful

application of techniques that would ensure the orderly executions of such functions as the
collection, transportation, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste. The various
methods of data collection and sampling constitutes of data acquisition, data collection source
and method, research design, research population and sample size, questionnaire construction
and administration and analysis of data. This research is based on survey method of data
collection with structured questionnaire administered, field observation as the major
instruments. Descriptive survey research designs were adopted in this research. This is because
descriptive survey study sets out to describe and interpret what exist. The computation and
analysis of the data were done through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
Version 23. The data analysis shows that respondents indicated they have public bins closer to
their houses. This finding is in support of Agbesola (2013) that while Lagos has a waste
management system that according to international standards is dismal, the state is the most
progressive in terms of waste management policy design and implementation in the country.
Waste disposal method is a problem in the neighborhood which include; public bin, waste van,
drainages, road or Street side and open space. This finding is in agreement with the assertion of
Narayana (2009), Izeze (1999) and Alam et al (2007) that waste management to be a perennial
challenge in various countries of the world especially the developing ones. The problems of solid
waste management in developing countries resulted from the surges in urban population,
constantly changing lifestyles and rapid industrialization. And that poorly managed wastes are
perceived as environmental hazards of high significance and the inabilities of societies to
manage waste generation effectively play no small role in increasing extant environmental
pressures. The data analysis shows that there is enough information available about the
environmental impacts of waste disposal practices in your area. This finding is in consonance
with the assertion of Wakjira (2007) that the most common methods of disposing inorganic waste
are sanitary landfill, open dumping, incineration, open burning and reuse and recycling. The
open methods of disposal have negative impacts on the environment as a whole and on the
community living in the vicinity of the dumpsite in particular. Recycling is increasingly being
seen as a viable option for the treatment of inorganic waste in the developing countries.

xiv
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The concentration of large numbers of people at a particular location increases the activities
which consume a lot of resources and thereby creating a lot of waste for the environment to deal
with. It now boils down to how well this waste can be managed in such a way that resident will
not be harmed and the environment will not be adversely affected (Oyelola, 2008). The amount
of resources consumed and the residues produce per capita happens to increase steadily as
people‘s per capita income increases (Adeyemi et al., 2001 and Oyelola, 2008). Proper
management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is therefore needed (Chifamba, 2007). This will
make urban residents live a healthy life and also improve city/communities sustainability and
livelihoods. The technologies associated with the generation (including source reduction), on-site
handling and storage, collection, transfer and transportation, processing, and disposal are
processes involved in a functioning solid waste management. These processes have to be carried
out within existing legal, social, and environmental guidelines that protect the health of people as
well as seeing to it that the environment is beautiful and safe (Salvato et al., 2003).

Today most cities managers across the globe have embraced and are practicing the concept of
sustainable municipal solid waste management. Conversely, since there are differences in the
social and economic situation of various countries as observed in their consumption pattern,
technological development levels, and the likes, different approaches to solid waste management
have therefore been chosen by municipalities in different countries as in the case of Lagos,
Nigeria. These approaches include the use of landfill, the promotion of recycling and recovery.
Countries with large population or with rapid population increase have chosen to use the method
of preventing of Municipal Solid Waste, promotion of reuse, recycling and recovery. Reason
been that large population cause‘s increase pressure on the environment and decreasing landfill
capacity (Buttol et al., 2007; Banar et al., 2009).

A typical example of a country that adopted some of these measures is Japan. In the late 1990s
and early 2000s, various recycling laws were enacted, including the ―Containers and Packaging
Law‖, the ―Electric and Household Appliances Recycling Law‖, the ―Food Recycling Law‖, the

1
―Automobile Recycling Act‖, and the ―Construction Material Recycling Act‖ (Okuda and
Thomson, 2007). In developed countries, per capita waste generation has increased nearly three
folds over the last two decades (Euiyoung and Sunghan, 2002; Edema et al., 2012). This is about
five or six times higher than that of developing countries. Currently, population is on the increase
in developing countries and gradually living standards are also coming up. The resultant effect is
that waste generation is rapidly increasing and if the trend continues, the world may witness
about five – fold increase in waste generation by the year 2025 (Euiyoung and Sunghan, 2002).
Lagos States happens to be the commercial nerve of the country. It has a
land area of about 3600 square km and has a population of about 9 million as at 2006 Nigerian
Census. About 70% of the total number of industries in Nigeria is located in this same ‗small
Lagos‘ which has a population density of 4000 person per square kilometer. Looking at the
statistics above and considering the fact that Nigeria is a developing country, like most
developing countries in the world, the government is more engrossed in providing the basic
survival needs of its citizens before channeling resources into other areas such waste
management. In Lagos state solid wastes management are mainly via landfill. This is because
landfill is the simplest, cheapest and most cost-effective method of disposing of waste (Barrett
and Lawler, 1995; Adejobi and Olorunnimbe, 2012). The total volume of municipal solid waste
is still increasing but notwithstanding the proportion to landfill may decrease in future with the
advancement in technology of converting waste to wealth.

The rapid rate of urbanization in Nigeria and Lagos in particular has brought about several
problems amongst which management stands out. In Lagos, today the need for the sanitation and
solid waste disposal practices are urgent health concerns for the residents of the state. Lagos
State is a megacity in Nigeria with an ever-growing population and wide spread environmental
impact. It is a major financial center in Africa. Its economic growth and pace of urbanization is
continually changing the pattern of a range of resources. Lagos State Waste Management
Authority (LAWMA) was mandated to collect and transport commercial and industrial waste to
designated landfill sites as well as manages the landfills. In 1997, Private Sector Participation
(PSP) scheme was introduced to complement the efforts of LAWMA. The participants were
assigned the responsibility of door to door / bulk waste collection in all the Local Government
Areas at fees to be paid by serviced clients. For better performance, mega waste management
companies were integrated to collect waste from tenements, markets, parks, industries and
2
commercial centers within their zones for disposal at designated landfill sites. Cart pushers were
equally integrated into the program in an effort to cope with the enormity of the waste
(Akinmuleya, 2006).

Urban waste generation in Nigeria was reported to be in the range of 12,000 to 255,556 tons per
month with Lagos, the commercial hub in the country, generating the
highest followed by Kano (Ogwueleka, 2009). It is worthy to note that Lagos and Kano are the
most populous state in Nigeria by 2006 National population Census. Population growth,
increasing urbanization, changes in consumption pattern, and rapid developments in technology
have all contributed to an increase in demand for goods and services which lead to introduction
of different products to meet up with consumer need and demand (Odum and Odum, 2006).
These factors together with lack of effective recycling activities resulted in an increase in both
the quantity and the variety of solid wastes generated and disposed-off as waste.

The management of solid waste as important as it may disposal will affect the population‘s
perception and willingness to participate in best waste management practices (Adekunle et al.,
2012). Waste disposal sites are mostly located in lowland areas close to residential areas
inducing a long-term risk of potential environmental contamination due to flooding. During
recent flood events, these areas were reportedly exposed to inundations as reported by a resident
in Ilaje Bariga, Alapere (Channel Television, 2019). This paper aims to develop a qualitative
approach to assess flood risk associated with flood-prone waste disposals at the basis of Bariga
local council development area case studies. Risk is investigated as a function of the probability
of an event and the consequences of that event.

Lagos State still embraces the open land fill disposal method and unfortunately none of the
waste is sorted before disposal. The application of circular economy requires a rethink about the
way we currently consume product and services, reuse material through their lifecycle,
redesigning waste out of the industrial economy. In 2015, over 23 million inhabitants of Lagos
produce large amount of waste in form of paper, cardboard, plastics, metal, food and other
materials which can be recycled making many scavengers earn a difficult and potentially
hazardous livelihood by searching the landfill site for the materials (Akoni, 2015).

3
Waste is an unavoidable by product of human activities, economic development,
urbanization and improving living standards in cities, have led to an increase in the quantity
and complexity of generated waste. Rapid growth of urban population and industrialization in
developing Asian countries in recent years has degraded the urban environment and places
serious stress on natural resources, which undermines equitable and sustainable development
(Islam SMD et.al,2016). Generally, the highest amount of waste is generated within developed
countries is due to high population, and the lifestyle which contributes to waste generation
(Wang, 2014). For example, in America, they use an average of 2 kg (4.41 lbs.) per capita per
day of waste, compared to 0.37 kg (0.82 lbs.) per capita per day in less developed countries. As
such waste is effectively managed and the efficiency of waste management is in order and easy
to calculate the cost involved around waste management and any non-conformances are
dealt with. Highly industrialized countries such as the United States have developed advanced
waste management systems driven by demands for resource recovery, public health, and
environmental well-being (Wilson, 2007). There are many types of waste — with the focus of
this study on solid wastes, as opposed to waste water and sewage. More specifically, our focus is
on the management of solid wastes from household sources and the interplay between household
attitudes towards waste management issues and waste management policy in Developing
Country cities.

Solid household waste varies in composition and value over time and space. For example, what
may be considered waste by some people (plastic bottles used) may be regarded as a resource by
others (empty bottles for re-use) or as a valuable material (for sale) for the recycling industry.
Various other incidental influences form and guide the values placed on the waste. These are
discussed below. There are many factors that may contribute to a change in the composition of
the waste over time. These factors include seasonality of waste fractions, where certain types of
waste are generated in an above-average quantity over a short period of time (for example,
packaging waste during festive periods and local food produce during harvest season). Seasonal
changes in the composition of waste are rapid and last for a relatively short period of time.
Longer-term changes in the composition of waste occur in the form of a steady and sometimes
stealthy increase in the percentage of certain waste fractions (e.g. plastic fractions) over longer
periods from a few years to several decades.

4
Globally, the world's people are currently producing more garbage or solid waste that is now
testing the capacity of our landfills and studies have shown that traditional waste disposal
methods, such as the use of incinerators and garbage dumps, could negatively affect the
environment and our health. These negative effects are due to the gas emissions from
incinerators and the odors that are harmful. This need has in part been met by the 3Rs—Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle—which in terms of waste management mean:

 Reduce—as individuals we should buy only what we require thereby reducing the
household waste we produce.

 Reuse—if we need to acquire goods, purchasing used ones or eco-friendly substitutes is

encouraged or we can reuse our old packages in creative ways.

 Recycle—when discarding waste, we must consider ways of recycling or reusing them

before taking the last option which is to discard.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Over the years, waste disposal has become a major problem, as effort has been made toward
effective and appropriate management since the 1970‘s to the current time. Poor waste disposal
practice and absence of adequate waste dumpsite have resulted in the indiscriminate dumping of
waste refuse in drainage, both natural and man-made, roadsides and available spaces in Somolu
Local Government in the rainy season, which has posed a great problem as a result of drainages
being blocked.

Waste posed a threat to public health and the environment if it is not stored, collected, and
disposed of properly. The perception of open dumping of waste as an unwanted material with no
value has dominated attitudes towards waste disposal in Somolu Local Government. This study
investigates the domestic waste practices, waste disposal, and resident perceptions on waste
disposal in high and low elevation areas in Somolu Local Government Area.

With the growing population, management of waste became a serious problem in Somolu Local
Government Area. However, efforts to get rid of the state of waste began to yield fruitful results

5
with Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), supervising the waste management
process.

With threat of flooding as a result of blocked drainage, Lagosians have said attitudinal change by
residents towards waste disposal could avert flooding in the community. At present, waste
management has become an additional strain to the challenges confronting Somolu, which
include traffic congestions; with bad road another leading factor that causes traffic congestion
along Somolu road. This is attributed to two factors; first is lack of good drainage system which
causes water to be stagnant on the road when it rains. Second, the Somolu market sellers do pour
dirty water-containing all sorts-on the road and in the gutters. Indiscriminate dumping of waste
promotes the breeding of insects such as houseflies, cockroaches, mosquitoes, tsetse flies, which
transmit diseases like typhoid, malaria, and diarrhea.

It is against this backdrop that this research work is set to examine the Assessment of Waste
Disposal Practices and Attitudes of Residents in Somolu Local Government Area.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The main aim and objective of the study is to assess the nature of waste disposal among residents
of Somolu Local Government Area. Specifically, the research objectives include the following.

1. Identify predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local Government Area.

2. Examine the variation in resident perception of open dumping in the high and low
elevation areas of Somolu Local Government Area.
3. Assess the relationship between flooding and predominant waste disposal methods in the
area.
4. Establish the implications of the study for municipal waste and flood management.

1.4 Research Questions

The understated research questions are raised in the course of this study:

i. What are the predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local Government Area?
ii. How do residents perceive open dumping in both high and low elevation areas of Somolu
Local Government Area?
6
 iii. What is the relationship between predominant waste disposal methods and flooding in the
study area?
iv. What are the implication of the study for municipal waste and flood management in
Lagos state?

1.5 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the investigation and assessment of solid waste disposal. The
scope of the study also extends to the identification of predominant solid waste disposal methods
in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos, which serves as a spatial area of study. This
research is carried out in order to ensure that the practice of reuse and recycle waste has been
carried out in the study area. This research is carried out by means of questionnaires and
interviews to the relevant respondents who have the skills and knowledge of the research subject.
Not all respondents had the knowledge that could contribute to the research topic because not
many of the respondents had the experience and knowledge of minimizing construction wastes.

1.6 Justification of the Study

Solid waste disposal has become a major development challenge in Somolu Local Government
Area in the recent times. This deserves not only the attention of the Metropolitan Assembly and
the waste management institutions but also concerns of Cooperate organization and individuals
to find a lasting solution to the problem. This is because, vital human resource could be lost
through poor waste management and this will affect productivity in the study area. The study
therefore intends to explore appropriate strategies and recommendations in clearing solid waste
in all segments in Somolu Local Government Area in a suitable manner. This will also help avert
the possibility of health issues from arising from improper management of wastes generated
within the area and also tend to create awareness on the benefits that can be accrued when wastes
are effectively managed within the environment.

7
1.7 Study Area

The area known today as Somolu Local Government area was formerly known as Mushin East
Local Government area when it was carved out of the defunct Mushin Town Council in 1976.
On December, 1996, Kosofe Area was again carved out and became Kosofe Local Government
while the remaining area retained Somolu Local Government Which lies between latitude
6ᵒ31‘12‘‘N, 6ᵒ33‘36‘‘N and Longitude 3ᵒ22‘22‘‘E, 3◦24‘36‘‘E. It has a population of 402, 673
persons as at the 2006 census, with an area of 106.5km. The Local Government Headquarters is
located at Number 2, Durosinmi Street, Somolu, off Oguntolu Street. The present Somolu Local
Government comprises areas like the community road, Akoka, areas East of Ikorodu up to
Anthony Oke side interchange, including Somolu Bashua, Bariga, part of Akoka, Igari,
Obanikoro, Pedro village, Abule Okuta, Seriki village, Apelehin and Ilaje.

1.7.1 Physical Characteristics of the Study Area

The topography and relief of Somolu Local Government is low and covered by nearly uniform
terrain, made up of mainly sandy soil. As a result of its natural layout, settlement was possible on
this slightly elevated upland area of Lagos where dry land exists away from the coastal plain.
The rock type is sedimentary basement complex of Precambrian origin. Types of soil mostly
encountered here are sands and clays which is predominant in Lagos. The soils are frequently
saturated by water that appears grey, because the minerals that give them the red/yellow colours
have been eroded away. These are soils with predominantly large particles that tend to drain
quickly and have lower fertility. They also contain very fine-textured soils that may be poorly
drained, which tend to become waterlogged and are therefore not well suited for agriculture. The
vegetation of the area can be described as sparse, having extensive grass and shrubs with trees
intersperse on seasonal flooded areas.

1.7.2 Climate and Rainfall

The region has a tropical wet and dry climate that borders a tropical monsoon climate. It
experiences two rainy seasons, with the heaviest rains falling from April to July and a weaker
rainy season in September to November. There is a brief relatively dry spell in August and a
longer dry season from December to March, which is termed the harmattan period. This period is

8
characterized by hot and dry weather with very low relative humidity. Monthly rainfall between
May and July averages over 400mm, while in August and September, it is down to 200mm and
in December as low as 25mm. The main dry season is accompanied by harmattan winds from
Sahara Desert, which between December and early February can be quite strong. The highest
maximum temperature ever recorded was 37ᵒC and the minimum 14ᵒC.

1.7.3 Soils

Somolu Local Government is endowed with very little arable land. Altogether, four soil groups
are identifiable. On the western half of the coastal margin where Somolu Local Government can
be found, juvenile soils on recent windborne sands occur. The rest of the coastal area towards the
East is covered also by juvenile soils on fluviomarize alluvium (mangrove swamp). A narrow
and rather discontinuous band of mineral and/or organic hydromorphic soils occur in the middle
and northern eastern sections of the state. The fourth group, occurring is two rather tiny and
discontinuous patches along the northern limits of the state, consists dominantly of red ferrallitic
soils on loose sandy sediments.

1.7.4 Vegetation

Two main vegetation types are identifiable in the Somolu Local Government: swamp forest of
the coastal belt and dry lowland rain forest. The swamp forests in the state are a combination of
mangrove forest and coastal vegetation developed under the brackish conditions of the coastal
areas and the swamp of the freshwater lagoons and estuaries. Red mangrove (sometimes
attaining heights of 592cm) as well as mangrove shrubs, trees with dense undergrowth and
raffias and climbing palms is characteristic of the swamp forest zone. Of course, on the seaward
side of this zone, wide stretches of sand and beaches exist. Although a small amount of pit props
and fuel material emanate from the swamp forest zone in Lagos State, it is of no significance in
the lumber economy of Nigeria.

9
Fig. 1.1: Location of Somolu within Lagos Metropolitan Area

10
1.8 Definition of Key Terms

Waste:

Waste is any substance or object which are disposed of or intended to be disposed of or need to
be disposed of (Sasikumar & Krishna, 2009).

Waste Management

Waste management includes the processes and actions required to manage waste from its
inception to its final disposal.

Waste Management Practice

Waste management refers to the practice of collecting, transporting, processing or disposing of,
managing and monitoring various waste materials. It is important to observe sustainability in this
aspect so that every bit of waste can be managed in an efficient manner rather than just dumping
it all in landfills.

Household:

A household is defined as a person or group of people staying together in the same dwelling unit
whether or not they are related by blood or marriage (ZimStat, 2012). The households are some
of the generators of solid waste.

Flood:

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry.

Municipal Waste:

Municipal waste is defined as waste collected and treated by or for municipalities. It covers
waste from households, including bulky waste, similar waste from commerce and trade, office
buildings, institutions and small businesses, as well as yard and garden waste, street sweepings,
the contents of litter containers, and market cleansing waste if managed as household waste.

11
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

Solid waste management has become one of a major concern in environmental issues (Mazzanti
& Zoboli, 2008). This is particularly true to urban areas where population is rapidly growing and
amount of waste generated is increasing like never before (Kathiravale & Mohd Yunus, 2008).
The management of waste become complex and the facilities provided cannot cope with the
increasing demand and needs. Therefore, best approach need to be implemented immediately
while considering environmental, social and economic aspects (Aye & Widjaya, 2006). The
drivers of sustainable waste management were clarified by Agamuthu et al. (2009), which
include human, economic, institutional and environment aspect. The study suggests that each
driving group should be considered in local context as managing solid waste for a particular
society may differ from the others. As a result of the importance of clean and hygienic
environment to human well-being, a lot of work has been done in the area of solid waste
generation, collection, evaluation and deposition.

2.1 The concept of waste management

A logical, visible and unavoidable product of the various human activities on earth is the
generation of various types of waste. The recent concern on waste management is hinged on the
fact that most countries of the world especially those that are termed as developing have not been
able to design and implement frameworks for sustainable waste management. Even in the
developed countries, there is a need to manage waste on a sustainable basis. According to
Robinson (1986), solid waste management is described as the purposeful application of
techniques that would ensure the orderly executions of such functions as the collection,
transportation, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste. In another definition,
Igbinomwanhia (2011) defined waste management as ‗a process whereby strategic combination
of methods are employed to efficiently regulate waste from the source of generation up to the
final disposal point with the aim of maintaining a perpetually safe and healthy environment at
minimal cost‘. Some other authors especially those working on waste management in the

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developing countries provide a conceptualization of waste management in terms of solid waste
management. For example, Nzeadibe (2008) described integrated solid waste management as an
approach that utilizes a wide range of methods and practices to handle municipal solid waste – in
particular it encompasses the programmed and deliberate avoidance of waste, waste
minimization methods‘ dissemination and adoption; reuse and recycling programs and structured
collection of waste and treatment. The focus on solid waste is informed by the fact that
researchers in developing countries are more exposed to solid wastes than other types of wastes.
However, as Williams (2005) noted, waste can be characterized as an item or material generated
as one of the products of a particular activity and with the aim or intention of disposal.

Other authors have also stressed that waste management is made more effective when there is
proper legislation, education, high level of citizens‘ participation and collaborative efforts among
local, state and federal governments (Kelley, 1992; Carisma, 2009). This is in line with the
linking of poor waste management to a combination of factors including political barriers, poor
citizens‘ participation, poor economic incentives and a top- down policy with little public
acceptance (Imam et al 2009; Ogwueleka, 2009). The relevance of waste management to a
developing economy like Nigeria has being dealt with in various literatures. This is justified in
light of the tremendous amount of waste generated in the country. There is a rural- urban
differential in waste generation with the rural areas generating 0.44kg/capita/day and the urban
areas averaging 0.66kg/capita/day (Cointreau- Levine, 1982; Ogwueleka 2009; Onu et al 2012).
From the studies, the density of solid waste ranges from 250kg/m3 to 370kg/m3 which is
significantly higher than what obtains in the developed countries of the world.

2.2 Predominant Waste Disposal Methods

The Various methods employed by households in the area of study include open dumping which
appears to be the dominant method. The construction industry is faced with many challenges,
among which is waste management. Aside from the fact that wastage contributes to time and cost
overrun, it also has environmental implications in the form of pollution. However, the industry
has the capacity to effectively manage waste, from generation to disposal. All stages of the
management process are important, but scholars and governments have provided the final step,
being disposal, unabated attention in order to ensure effective management. Potential waste

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disposal methods, including incineration, burning, landfilling, recycling, reuse, open dumping,
pyrolysis, and shredding have emerged from the literature around the globe. Despite various
waste minimization and sustainable disposal options that are available, construction material
waste is still increasing in Nigeria, while disposal remains a major issue for firms and
government. Therefore, this study assesses disposal methods among residents of Somolu Local
Government Area, to determine whether there is a relationship between their practices towards
waste disposal.

2.3 Population growth, industrialization and waste management

The shift towards an increasing focus on waste management is justified in light of the various
concerns that have being raised by different authors. Narayana (2009) have conceptualized waste
management to be a perennial challenge in various countries of the world especially the
developing ones. The author reported that the challenge is more aggravated because there is a
correlation between increased waste generation and population explosion, industrial development
and urbanization. This assertion is corroborated by Izeze (1999) who reported that the problems
of solid waste management in developing countries resulted from the surges in urban population,
constantly changing lifestyles and rapid industrialization. As Alam et al (2007) also noted,
‗poorly managed wastes are perceived as environmental hazards of high significance and the
inabilities of societies to manage waste generation effectively play no small role in increasing
extant environmental pressures. Olukanni et al (2014) have traced the increased focus on waste
management to the increase in consumption which is a consequence of population increase
complemented by rapid urbanization which has increased significantly the volume of waste
generated. The author identified other causative factors as improvement in overall socio-
economic status and increase in the rate of commercial activities which have necessitated
increase in the rate of transformation of raw materials into finished products. These points are
corroborated by Babayemi and Dauda (2009) and Olukanniand Akinyinka (2012). In the
developed countries of the world there is a demonstrated healthy attitude towards sustainable
waste management; this is because waste management is perceived as playing a policing role of
ensuring that future generations are not subjected to deleterious consequences as a result of
environmental choices made today (Khatib, 2011).

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2.4 Complexity of waste management process Waste generation and management in Lagos

Different authors have presented differing views on what the waste management process entails.
According to Ali, Cotton and Westlake (1999), waste management is a broad concept that relates
not only to handling large volume of wastes but designing and implementing methods for dealing
with specific compositions in a manner that is efficient and sustainable. Also, Girling (2005)
affirmed that environmental waste management is a process that extends beyond mere safe waste
disposal but rather encompasses activities such as minimization actions, reuse and recycling
activities, proper treatment and finally waste disposal. While most definitions of waste
management are based on technical or process perspectives, Narayana (2009) have emphasized
the human perspective. According to the author, effective waste management is predicated on an
informed and participatory public. In essence, the effectiveness of waste management strategies
cannot be guaranteed in the absence of popular public participation. Modern waste management
comprises the use of scientific methods, new technologies and awareness that different types of
waste require different types of treatment. As Olukanni et al (2014) explained, the importance of
differing composition of waste as an important factor in waste management stemmed from the
realization that waste components in a particular area is differentiated from those in other areas
because of differences in standards of living, climate and consumption habits. Modern waste
management also emphasize that waste management should be done within the larger context of
environmental and public health management (Onibokun and Kumuyi, 2003; Agbesola, 2013;
Olukanni et al 2014). In Nigeria, as in other developing countries of the world, solid waste-
which is composed of organic and inorganic components- has become an important issue and
this is reflected in the piles of wastes often found by the roadside, rivers and in open spaces in
the urban areas (Imam et al, 2009; Ogwueleka, 2009). The waste management situation in a
developing city like Lagos is especially acute and reflective of what is obtained in the country.
Agbesola (2013) suggested that while ‗Lagos have a waste management system that according to
international standards is dismal, the state is the most progressive in terms of waste management
policy design and implementation in the country‘. The amount of inorganic waste generated in
the city has increased in the last two decades because of population surges and increase in per
capita consumption of consumer and industrial products. Opejin (2014) reported that Lagos have

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a per capita waste generation of 0.5 kg per person with an aggregate generation of between 10,
000 and 12, 000 tons daily. Oshodi (2013) asserted that a significant portion ofthe waste
generated in Lagos are inorganic and such waste are often indiscriminately disposed- off in a
manner that is environmentally unfriendly and fraught with long- term deleterious consequences.

2.5 Public Perception and Awareness of the Effect of Poor Waste Disposal on the
Environment

The increasing growth of urban centres in most developing countries of the world in recent time
has resulted in increased consumption of resources to meet the growing demands of urban
populations and industry. This situation result in generation of large amounts of solid waste in
cities. All human activities generate one form of waste materials or the other which may not be
of immediate use and hence constitutes waste that is ultimately released into the environment.
Thus, waste is an inevitable by-product of our daily activities. In the past, when human
population was relatively small, solid waste issues were not a serious problem. However, with
urbanization and growth of large conurbations, the challenges posed by solid waste are becoming
enormous. Solid wastes is made up of all the organic and inorganic waste materials that are
usually non free flowing that is produced as a result of human and animal activities which have
lost their value to the user and consequently discarded as useless or unwanted. Solid waste is one
of the most visible, immediate and serious environmental problems facing most municipal
authorities in developing countries. Consequently, this growing solid waste disposal challenges
in developing countries is gradually approaching crises level. This trend of indiscriminate waste
disposal has gone unchecked for so many years that the situation appears to be intractable. In
Nigeria, solid waste disposal problem is typified by overflowing dustbins, mountains of open
refuse dumps at virtually every street and corners of the town; with their attendant problems
(especially where burning occurs) and the existence of improperly operated landfills which are
often rodent infested, with potentials for surface and ground water pollution. The volume of solid
waste generated in any urban centres is often a reflection of the intensity of human activities such
as population, urbanization, social development, resource exploitation and unchecked
technological advances. All these activities generate one form of waste or the other. The
implication of this is that we have more solid waste to cope with than ever before. Poor disposal
of solid waste has adverse effect on the environment in general. The issue of solid waste

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generation and its likely effects on the health, quality of environment and urban landscape has
become burning national issues in Nigeria today.

2.6 Implications of Study for Flood Management and Municipal Waste

Natural disaster is an event that usually occurs with varying degree of impacts; either they are
physical, economic or social impacts. Disaster, which does not come routinely, produced
situations that usually exceeded the expectations of the affected community to take action such
as saving lives, preserving property, and maintaining stability of the affected area.

After a disaster event, generation of disaster debris have become one of the major problems,
since the volume and types of waste generated are greatly different from normal waste,
depending on the nature and severity of the disaster. A study by (Reinhart and McCreanor) on
United States past disasters showed that the volume of debris generated from a single disaster
event is 5-15 times greater than the waste generated during normal days. Waste generation after
the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami also generated a similar ratio. The massive volumes of debris
and waste have exceeded the capacity of waste managers of the affected area in handling the
situation. Flood disaster is one of the natural disasters that generate huge amount of waste, and a
wide range of waste composition, depending on its severity. This is because flood caused severe
damage to infrastructures and properties, which resulted in the generation of tremendous amount
of waste. The type of waste generated during disaster event varies greatly, highly depending
upon the type of infrastructure impacted, whether most of the buildings and houses constructed
were using concrete or wood. Flood waste that is generated from the destruction of masonry
houses composed mainly of concrete, while in rural areas which mainly composed of wooden
houses, will generate more wooden waste. According to Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) of United States, typical waste type generated during flood disaster usually
composed of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, vegetative waste, household items,
white goods, soil and mud, and putrescent. Every waste category that is generated has its own
disposal challenges during normal condition. With the effect of disaster, these types usually
create new mixed categories that will increase the complexity to separate and dispose. This
resulting in economic and environmental burden to the victims and authorities involved in
reconstruction of the affected area as well as in management of municipal waste.

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2.6.1 Municipal Solid Waste Management

In the past, waste was manageable largely because populations were not heavily concentrated or
remained nomadic in nature. The waste created by prehistoric man in ancient times, whose
survival was largely depended on hunting and gathering, was degradable. In recent times, waste
has become a major concern not only in the developing world but also among civilized societies.
As human population increased and became more sedentary, moving to settle in urban areas,
management of waste has become more difficult and complicated. Man is a proficient maker of
waste (Tchobanoglous, et. al., 1993; OtengAbabio). Apparently, one critical issue accompanying
global economic and social development is the substantial increase of the amount of waste being
generated.

The Global Waste Management Outlook (UNEP, 2015), has pegged global annual increasing
rate of Municipal solid Waste (MSW) at approximately 2 billion tons. Moreover, this explosive
growth in the weight and volume is making the management and composition of MSW
becoming more and more complex. It has been largely documented that both increased in
generation and composition complexity in MSW have created severe dereliction of air quality,
public health, water quality etc., which has eventually contributed to climate change. Effective
and efficient MSW management is, thus, one of the most important and challenging issues
throughout the world (Vergara and Tchobanoglous, 2012). Often, MSW management is pushed
beyond the scope of technology and requires the involvement of all stakeholders such as product
manufacturers, government institutions, private businesses, householders etc. Thus, the success
of an MSW management system depends not only on technical innovation, but also considerably
influenced by social, economic, and psychological factors, such as public participation, policy,
public attitude and behavior. Hence, it is important for researchers to understand, design, and
evaluate MSW management from all dimensions.

In other nations, problems of urban degradation of solid waste generation often attract attention
of both the international bodies and non-governmental organization. To this end, the United
Nations declared 1980 and 1990 the international drinking water supply and sanitation decade.
With this declaration however, little or nothing has been achieved in the area of waste
management in the developing nations, especially in Nigeria.

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Waste can be divided into different types. The most common methods of the classification are by
their physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Solid wastes are waste materials that
contain less than 70% water. This class includes materials such as household garbage, some
industrial wastes, some mining wastes, and oil field wastes such as drill cuttings. Liquid wastes
are usually waste water that contains less than 1% solids. Such waste may contain high
concentrations of dissolved salts and metals.

 Household wastes are usually classified as Municipal waste.

 Biomedical wastes are usually classified as Hospital waste.
 Industrial wastes are usually classified as Hazardous waste.

Municipal Solid Waste: Municipal solid wastes generally can be classified in terms of three
major sources of generators: residential, commercial, and industrial. Sometimes, institutional
sources are separated from commercial sources and, thus a fourth source is referred to as
institutional. In the traditional scheme of classification, residential (domestic) solid waste
consists of household garbage and rubbish, or refuse. Municipal solid wastes (MSW) is often
described as the waste that is produced from residential and industrial (non-process wastes),
commercial and institutional sources with the exception of hazardous and universal wastes,
construction and demolition wastes, and liquid wastes (water, wastewater, industrial processes)
(Tchobanoglous & Kreith, 2002). In Nova Scotia, municipal solid waste is defined through the
Solid Waste-Resource Management Regulations (1996) which state that Municipal Solid Waste
―includes garbage, refuse, sludge, rubbish, tailings, debris, litter and other discarded materials
resulting from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial activities which are commonly
accepted at a municipal solid waste management facility, but excludes wastes from industrial
activities regulated by an approval issued under the Nova Scotia Environment Act‖ (SWRMR,
1996). Solid Waste: Solid rubbish can include a variety of items found in your household along
with commercial and industrial locations.

Solid waste is commonly broken down into the following types:

 Plastic waste – This consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles and many other products
that can be found in your household. Plastic is not biodegradable, but many types of

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 plastic can be recycled. Plastic should not be mix in with your regular waste, it should be
sorted and placed in your recycling bin.

 Paper/card waste – This includes packaging materials, newspapers, cardboards and

other products. Paper can easily be recycled and reused so make sure to place them in
your recycling bin or take them to your closest Brisbane recycling depot.

 Tins and metals – This can be found in various forms throughout your home. Most
metals can be recycled. Consider taking these items to a scrap yard or your closest
Brisbane recycling depot to dispose of this waste type properly.

Poor management of solid waste is critical to the health and well-being of urban residents. In
most developing cities, several tons of garbage is left uncollected on the streets each day, acting
as feeding ground for pests the spread disease, clogging of drainages and creating a myriad of
related health and infrastructural problems. The challenges to be faced in collecting solid waste
will drastically increase in the next 30years as a result of both the rapid growth of developing
cities and increase in per capita waste production.

In Nigeria, there are two broad systems of solid waste management namely; public and private.
Though, the former has being more conventional and traditional. In the public solid waste
management system, the waste disposal unit seems to have been the most common arrangement,
varieties of which have at different times been established in Ibadan (Onokerhoraye, 1977),
Benin City (Omuta, 1985), Enugu, Onitsha, Warri and Kaduna (FMHE, 1-83), among other
urban centers.

Hazardous Wastes: Hazardous wastes are those that may contain toxic substances generated
from industrial, hospital, some types of household wastes. These wastes could be corrosive,
inflammable, explosive, or react when exposed to other materials. Some hazardous wastes are
highly toxic to environment including humans, animals, and plants. Wastes are classified as
hazardous if they exhibit one or more of ignitability, corrosively, reactivity, or toxicity.
According to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), hazardous wastes are defined
as any waste or combination of wastes which pose a substantial present or potential hazard to
human health or living organisms because such wastes are non-degradable or persistent in nature

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or because they can be biologically magnified, or because they can be lethal, or because they
may otherwise cause or tend to cause detrimental cumulative effects.

Volume of Waste in Lagos: Waste generation is a normal accomplishment of day-to-day living

household consumption of goods and services, and industrial production process produce wastes
which must be disposed of to pave the way for a repeat of the cycle. It has been estimated
according to Oyediran (2004), that about 20kg of refuse per capita per year is produced in
Nigeria cities. Given Nigeria‘s 1989 estimated population of 110 million, it follows that about
2.3 million tons of wastes are generated each year in Nigeria cities.

According to the World Bank, the generation of solid waste is tied to population, income and
urbanization. If the report by this body which puts per capita waste generation rate at 1.2 kg per
person per day is anything to go by, waste generated in Lagos far outweighs the official figure of
13,000 tons per day. Also, the fact that the per capital waste generation has been projected to rise
to 1.42 kg in the next fifteen years presents a serious cause for concern. The estimated quantity
of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated worldwide is 1.7 – 1.9 billion metric tons. 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 land filling and about 15 per cent is processed
through unsafe and informal recycling.

Increasing with the population of the state is not just the waste generated but the cost of handling
it and this underscores the need for more efficient and enduring system of solid waste
management. While they might have served their purposes, the PSP operators leave a yawning
gap in the effort to keep Lagos Streets free of refuse as experience has shown that they lack both
the financial and technological capacity to cope with the waste challenge in the nearest future.
The import of the foregoing is that the system of solid waste management that yields to
inadequacies in the collection, transportation and disposal services is not sustainable and cannot
on the long run support the vision of a clean, secure and more prosperous Lagos State. Hence,
the emergence of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative as a new model to address the observed
shortcomings in the state‘s solid waste management sector is welcome.

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2.6.2 Relationship between Municipal Solid Waste and Flooding

The amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in Nigerian cities keeps soaring as a
result of increasing urban population and rapid urbanization. This, in turn, presents greater
challenges for disposal and management of MSW (Ojolowo and Wahab, 2011).

The volume of waste being generated continues to increase at a faster rate than the ability of the
authorities to improve on the financial and technical resources needed to respond to this growth
(Aderogba, 2012). The global generation of municipal solid waste in 1997 was 0.49 billion tons,
with an estimated annual growth rate of 3.2 to 4.5% in developed nations and 2 to 3% in
developing nations (Suocheng et al., 2001). An estimated 2.5 to 4 billion tons of waste was
generated in 2006 globally, out of which municipal solid waste was 1.84 billion tons (Chandak,
2010). Municipal solid waste is projected to increase to 657 million tons in 2025 (Arunprasad,
2009), a projection of 137% in 27 years. Kapadia (2012) asserts that world cities generate about
1.3 billion tons of solid waste per year; this volume is expected to increase to 2.2 billion tons by
2025. The highest volume of MSW is generated in Delhi, India, with estimated 11,500 tons per
day or 4.2 million tons per year (Kumar, 2013). The per capita generation of MSW in Delhi is
approximately 0.5 kg/capita/day (Ahmad, 2012). The amount of MSW generated per/capita/day
in Hong Kong, London, Seoul, Tokyo and Tapei are 1.45, 1.45, 1.08, 1.03 and 0.88 kg,
respectively (Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, Waste Management Policy
Division, 2012). Similarly, 10.000 tons of solid waste is generated each day in Lagos, with
generation per capita (GPC) of 0.65kg/person/day (Oresanya, 2013). Collection of waste from
households, factories, and other generation points to dump sites is an intractable challenge in
developing countries. This is because waste management usually accounts for 30 to 50% of
municipal operational budget. However, despite these high expenses, cities, especially those in
developing countries, can only collect 50 to 60% of the refuse generated (Arunprasad, 2009). For
instance, 33% of the refuse generated is collected in Karachi, 40% in Yangoon and 33 to 77% in
Cairo (Zayani, 2010).

In Lagos (Nigeria), the collection rate is about 43% (LAWMA, 2015). A total of
2,468,707.57m3 of MSW was deposited at landfill sites in Lagos State from January to
September, 2014 (LAWMA, 2015). Uncollected solid waste blocks drainages, causes flood, and

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leads to spread of water-borne diseases. It was the cause of a major flood in Surat in India in
1994, which resulted in an outbreak of a plague-like disease that affected 1000 people and killed
56 (UN-HABITAT, 2012). Annual floods in East and West African, and Indian cities are
blamed, at least in part, on plastic bags that block drains (UN-HABITAT, 2012). The pair of
municipal solid waste and floods has become an intractable challenge, particularly in Lagos and
many other cities within and outside Nigeria. Waste generation and flooding are inevitable
phenomena within natural cycles. As wastes convey nutrients from one part of the environment
to another, floods offer water balance and associated resources between areas of excess and
shortage. However, human interference engenders the negativity that has been recorded owing to
the friction between the pair. In 1998, flood killed more than 4,000 people and caused economic
losses estimated at US$25 billion in Southern China. In July and August 2010, Pakistan was hit
by extreme rainfall that led to devastating flooding that killed more than 2,000 people and
affected more than 20 million people. In January 2011, floods in South-Eastern Brazil, Including
Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, killed over 800 people (Jha et al., 2012). The situation is the same
in Nigeria.

Floods in various parts of Nigeria have displaced millions of people, destroyed property,
disrupted socio-economic activities, contaminated water resources and facilitated the spread of
water-borne disease. Over 28 (80.0%) of the 36 states of Nigeria were devastated by flood in
July 2012 (Wahab, 2013). Some of the states severely affected were Kebbi, Kogi, Anambra,
Plateau, Oyo, and Bayelsa. The impact of the 2012 flooding was very high in terms of human,
material, and production loss, with 363 people killed, 5,851 injured, 3,891,314 affected, and
387,153 displaced (The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), 2013).

The total value of destroyed physical and durable assets caused by the 2012 floods in the most
affected states of Nigeria has been estimated at N1.48 trillion, or its equivalent of US$9.5 billion
(FGN, 2013). The total value of losses across all sectors of the economy was estimated at N1.1
trillion, equivalent to US$7.3 billion, while the combined value of these damage and losses is
N2.6 trillion, or US$16.9 billion (FGN, 2013). The rate of occurrences of floods in the Lagos
metropolis in recent times has been of great concern and challenge to the people and government
authorities (Aderogba, 2012a). From the early 1970s to date, flood has occasioned building
collapse, submerged markets, destroyed property and affected more than 300,000 people in the

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city of Lagos (Etuonovbe, 2011). According to This Day of 15 July, 2011, a number of vehicles
and houses were submerged by the flood of 14 July, 2011 and virtually all parts of Lagos State
were flooded. The flooded areas included Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah, Abule Egba, Ikeja,
Apapa, Oshodi, Ikorodu, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, Ayobo-Ipaja, Ajegunle, Oregun, Ogba, Orile-
Iganmu, Ejigbo, Okokomaiko, Badagry Expressway, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Ago-Palace Way,
Cele Bus Stop, Lawanson Road, Surulere, Ketu, Mile 2, Satellite Town, FESTAC Town, Mile
12, Agbado, Ijaiye, Aboru, Ojota, Ifako, Ijaiye, Alagbado, Dopemu, Iju, Alapere, Ikotun,
Makoko, Bariga, Ajegunle, Epe, and Ojo. The flood forced residents to stay indoors. All the
areas listed above again experienced flooding in 2012 (Vanguard, 2012); while only Lekki was
flooded in 2013 owing to the ocean surge (Street Journal, 2013). In search of pragmatic solutions
to flooding in the Lagos metropolis, researchers have recommended adequate collection of MSW
(Oyebande, 1983, 1990, 2005; Adeaga, 2008; Akpodiogaga and Odjugo, 2010; Ikhile and
Olorode, 2011; Aderogba, 2012), with little empirical evidence of the relationships between
flooding and municipal solid waste management.

2.7 Inorganic waste management in developed and developing countries

Conventionally, the waste generated in an area is divided mainly into organic and inorganic
wastes. Inorganic waste makes up a considerable proportion of household wastes even though
they are usually less bulky than organic wastes. According to a survey of Indonesian households,
Aprilia, Tezuka and Spaargaren (2012) reported that kitchen waste constitutes the highest
percentage of household wastes followed by recyclable household wastes such as plastic, paper
and card- board. In the developing countries, inorganic waste are increasingly constituting a
considerable portion of waste generated and according to Idowu, Omirin, and Osagie (2011), the
major sources of such waste include households, markets and places of commercial activity.
However, it must be noted that proportionally, developing countries generate more organic waste
than inorganic waste (Oteng- Ababio, 2011). There is a marked difference in the attitude of
developed countries, where inorganic waste management is done on a scientific and planned
basis and the developing countries where choices in inorganic waste management are weighed
from the populist and socio-economic perspective (Agbesola, 2013). Inorganic wastes are
perceived as a serious challenge to the ecosystem because their constituent parts make them
largely unbreakable into forms that are less threatening to the environment. Kinyanjui (2014)

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have expressed the fact that inorganic wastes pose a greater threat to the environment because
such wastes are non- biodegradable Because of this non- biodegradability, inorganic waste is
often the poster issue for waste management especially in the developing countries. Inorganic
waste management have being identified as a menace especially in the developing countries
which have being caused by inadequate service coverage, operational inefficiencies of services,
limited utilization of recycling activities, inadequate management of non- industrial hazardous
waste and inadequate landfill disposal mechanism (Onibokun and Kumuyi, 2003;
Igbinomwanhia et al, 2009). Kinyanjui (2014) stated that inorganic wastes have posed serious
environmental concerns which in consequence have necessitated the design of elaborate
strategies and integrated program measures aimed at mitigating their contribution to
environmental degradation and as such promote environmentally sound and sustainable
development. In another study, UNEP (1992) opined that the generation of inorganic wastes pose
a serious problem because they are not biodegradable and often litter around in huge unsorted
quantities and have the potential have seeping into water bodies leading to massive pollution.
Inorganic wastes are disposed using a wide range of techniques which have being captured in
literature. However, Aprilia et al (2012) reported that a majority of households in Indonesia
dispose hazardous waste together with other inorganic wastes thus leading to pollution and
contamination of the environment. Burning is a predominant method especially in the urban
areas and as a practice; it has had deleterious effects on the environment thus endangering the
health of residents who inhale the smoke from the burning of such substances. World Bank
(2005) noted that the burning of garbage is major contributor to urban air pollution, and it is a
practice engaged in not only by residents but by collectors at dump- sites and generators of
industrial wastes such as saw- mills and artisanal processing centres. Studies done by Lacoste
and Chalmin (2007), Wakjira (2007) and Igbinomwanhia (2011) amply documents, the extent of
burning as a method of disposing inorganic wastes in the developing countries. Another common
method of disposing inorganic waste is open- space dumping. Agbesola (2013) reported that this
is a widespread method in the developing countries and is often used as a preceding method
before burning. Dumping also has deleterious effects because of the fact that such waste often
finds their way into the ecosystem and poses health hazards. According to Lacoste and Chalmin
(2007), health impacts can result from having contact with dumped waste and can include skin
and gastro- intestinal diseases‘ outbreak. Randomly dumped waste can also pose a direct hazard

25
to children especially if such waste contains toxic or hazardous materials (Miller, 2000). The use
of open dump site also increases the potential of surface and ground water pollution- this is
because open dump- sites are often situated without regard for the potential for environmental
disruption; they are often sited based on convenience (Olu, 2009). The extent of groundwater
pollution in and around dumpsites is still unknown because adequate pollution assessment
studies have not been conducted on the groundwater in the developing countries but based on the
degree of surface water pollution, it is possible to identify when pollution is taking place in the
groundwater (Lacoste and Chalmin, 2007).

Wakjira (2007) expressed that the most common methods of disposing inorganic waste are
sanitary landfill, open dumping, incineration, open burning and reuse and recycling. According
to the author, the open methods of disposal have negative impacts on the environment as a whole
and on the community living in the vicinity of the dump- site in particular. Recycling is
increasingly being seen as a viable option for the treatment of inorganic waste in the developing
countries. According to Miller (2000), the recycling of inorganic wastes such as glass, plastics,
paper and metal can be done using two different methods which are primary or closed- loop
recycling and secondary or open- loop recycling. Primary recycling is said to occur when the
inorganic waste discarded by consumers are subjected to controlled treatment which essentially
recycles them to produce the same kind of products from which they are derived in the first place
(Johnston et al 2000). Secondary recycling entails the recycling of inorganic wastes which results
in different products. As Miller (2000) reported while secondary recycling reduces the weight of
virgin material by about 25% primary recycling have the potential of reducing virgin material in
a product by up to 90%. The recycling of waste has been touted as a method which much
potential to reduce the amount of waste going into incinerators, open dump- sites and landfills.
Other literature has identified the occasional use of controlled landfills and dumpsites as the
main methods of disposing inorganic wastes. Remigios (2010) confirmed that uncontrolled
dumping is the main method of solid waste management in the African countries (most of which
are ranked as developing) and it involves disposal of waste on open- areas without requisite
structures and without considerations and contingencies for potential environmental impact. The
author further noted that public health agencies in the developing countries of the world are
veering towards the use of controlled or semi- controlled landfills for disposing inorganic waste.
Such landfills are often controlled by the government and are used by the waste disposal
26
contractors who collect waste from households and commercial and industrial areas for a fee.
Such wastes are then transited to the landfills.

2.8 Risk Perceptions and Experiences of Residents Living Nearby Municipal Solid Waste
Open Dumpsite in High And Low Elevation Areas

Due to improper municipal solid waste management, the use of open dump sites for final
disposal of solid waste is common in towns. The quantity and complexity of solid waste
generated are increasing in developing countries owing to urbanization, changes in the pattern of
life and population growth. However, the current Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management
practices, especially collecting, processing and disposing, are considered to be inefficient. As a
result, these countries are facing increasing environmental and health associated problems. Lack
of well-established MSW management systems has been forcing communities to illegally dump
wastes on open fields, roadsides and river banks; and practice open burning without air and water
pollution control. Open dumps can pose major public health threats and environmental effects in
urban areas. It is the most common unscientific, non-engineered municipal waste management
method applied in most developing countries including Ethiopia. Uncontrolled and poorly
administered dumping results in heaps of wastes onto the dumping sites, which is susceptible to
open burning, thus emitting toxic gases causing air pollution. Greenhouse gases are generated
from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills, and untreated leachate pollutes
surrounding soil and water bodies. In urban areas, an MSW clog drains; creating stagnant water
for insect breeding and floods during rainy seasons. Illegal dumping of MSW is proved to cause
a number of diseases. Occurrences of malaria, diarrhea and acute respiratory infections have
been common with residents living in poorly waste managed area. Using water polluted by
MSW for bathing, food irrigation and drinking water can also expose individuals to disease
organisms and other contaminants. Moreover, respiratory symptoms, irritation of the skin, nose
and eyes, fatigue, headaches, psychological problems and allergies have been found to be
common in people living near waste disposal sites. Municipal solid waste (MSW) has
contributed significantly to flooding in Somolu Local Government Area.

27
2.9 Constraints on inorganic waste disposal in the developing countries

As Afun (2010) noted, there is a global concern for improved mechanisms of waste management
because of the environmental health demands of the world‘s population that necessitates
management of waste in an eco- friendly and acceptable way. Waste disposal by households
have proved an intractable problem in the developing countries because of certain constraints on
the use of efficient disposal methods. A constraint is the paucity of structured waste disposal
systems in the developing countries. Zavodska (2003) reported that there is an ineffective and
unreliable solid waste collection service in developing countries. Related to this is the
insufficient number of- and complete lack of waste collection points in some areas. There is a
perennial challenge of ‗inadequate and improperly located waste disposal points‘ which makes
waste disposal by households a cumbersome task hampered by distance and accessibility
(Agbesola, 2013). According to Walling et al (2004), solid waste management in developing
countries has taken on magnitude proportions because of the paucity of public wastes
receptacles. Momodu, Dimuna and Dimuna (2011) contended that a majority of urban
households in Nigeria, which is a developing country, have being reported to lack access to
adequate waste management services for over two decades and there appears to have being
negligible improvement even in recent times. This findingis supported by the findings of
Aderogba and Afelumo (2012).

In the developing countries of the world, a constraint on inorganic waste disposal especially by
households is the low recycling rate. Magutu and Onsongo (2011) reported that recycling rates
are low in the developing countries. The consumption attitude of households in developing
countries has resulted in the fact that wastes are not utilized for other purposes- such as use for
containers or crafts. The process is often dominated by the uncontrolled salvaging of inorganic
materials by a largely un- organized informal sector made up of scavengers. Such recycling is
often done inefficiently and on its own have historically portended environmental concerns. The
increasing population and rate of economic activities in the developing countries coupled with
drastically increased consumption have led to waste management problems. The provision of
efficient solid waste management services that would effectively handle inorganic wastes has
proved to be a major problem of local authorities worldwide. There are various constraints that
have resulted in low service coverage and poorly managed programs and initiatives.

28
Awaisu (2011) noted that the constraints on waste management could create a dynamic that
would eventually result in major environmental and health problems when the processes of waste
management are not efficient and have low coverage. Inadequate logistics is a major bane on
effective waste management in the developing countries. Agunwamba (2008) asserted that solid
waste management authorities are often comprised of an aged vehicle fleet which when coupled
with bad road access makes waste collection and disposal a nightmare. The author further noted
that in some instances, waste disposal vehicles are open vans which allow for littering of the
immediate environment with waste being transported. Another constraint hampering waste
management relates to institutional capacities. As reported by Schwarz- Herion et al (2008),
governments in developing countries have created various agencies and bodies tasked with waste
management- the fact that there are massive functional over- lap results in general inefficiency
and poor service delivery by these bodies. Ogawa (2006) supporting this claim noted that
agencies and task-forces do not often have clear roles or functions and suffer from a lack of
direction resulting from inadequate coordination of projects and activities. Onibokun and
Kumuyi (2003) asserted that the poor monitoring and evaluation of waste management
institutions have bred a culture of low performance and complacency which have had adverse
effect on waste management in the developing countries. Another constraint to inorganic waste
management and solid waste management in general is the low social status accorded to waste
disposal workers. Waste disposal workers suffer from a negative perception because society
regard the work they do as undignified; this has led to a drain of skilled labour from the
profession with the attendant effects of high turnover, poor work habits, poor work attitudes and
poor quality of work (Ogawa 2006; Agunwamba, 2008). In close relation to social constraints are
certain cultural constraints which result from certain practices in the developing countries that
hamper the design and implementation of sustainable waste management policies. Such practices
include the ritual dumping of dead animal and other substances at road junctions without
consideration for the environmental effects the putrefaction and decay of such substances would
have on the society (Igbinomwanhia and Ohwovoriole, 2012). The cultural dimension as a
constraint has also being reported by Cointreau (1982) and Omran and Read (2008). Audu
(2007) proposed that cultural attitudes form part of the constraints on waste management in the
developing countries; the author generalizing from a study in Nigeria maintained that people in
developing countries have cultural practices that weigh more to consumption and waste

29
generation than saving and investment and this reflects on waste management. This finding is
corroborated by Zerberk (2003) who noted that in the developing countries, constant and ever-
increasing material consumption is encouraged and perceived as progress in the economic sense,
this results in the dominance of a ‗buy and discard‘ mentality which aggravates the waste
management situation. The realization that advanced modern waste management practices
require varying degrees of capital outlay pose a constraint especially in the developing countries
of the world where incomes are relatively low. As Igbinomwanhia and Ohwovoriole (2012)
reported, a survey of households in Edo State in Nigeria reveal that family income average $300
monthly, this creates a low demand for solid waste management practices and households have a
propensity to engage in open dumping of wastes and open air burning. This point is supported by
Omran and Read (2008) who also reported that the low household income in the developing
countries prompts the patronization of cart- pushers as waste disposers. Such local waste
disposers are not regulated not trained and often do not make use of the designated solid waste
dumping sites. The laws of demand and supply necessitate that in the face of high prices of
structured waste management services, households patronize the low- cost options of cart-
pushers, open dumpsites, drainage and uncontrolled landfilling. The constraint of funds is also
mentioned by Agunwamba (2008) who deplored the funding structure of waste management
which is dependent on the budgets of local, state and federal governments. This is also
corroborated by Adewole (1992) and Zubairu (1992). Of importance also is the economic
context of an area which significantly influences the willingness and ability to pay for waste
management service (Bartone, 1991). Ogawa (1996) also reported a dynamic that have severely
constrained waste management practices in developing countries. The user service charges
collected by the disposal agents is too little to make any meaningful impact on solid waste
management. However, users' ability to pay for the services is also limited by their income, and
their willingness to pay for the services which are irregular and ineffective is not high either.
More so the end point of the solid waste does provide financial reward to waste disposal agent
hence the only source of finance to the disposal agent is the user service charges.

Another constraint is the shortage of funds available to waste management bodies for effective
waste management. In a report, United Nations (2007) reported that waste management is
generally given a low priority in budget except perhaps in the capital and large cities. This
finding is supported by Beukering et al (2008) and Omran and Read (2008). The developed
30
countries of the world such as Canada, USA, England, Norway, Japan and Denmark have large
amounts of resources available for dealing with solid waste problems unlike the developing the
countries of the world like Ghana, Egypt, Malawi and Nigeria where waste management is often
aggravated by lack of funds (Nzeadibe, 2008). According to Agbesola (2013), the constraints on
the regulation of waste management in developing countries include weak institutional
frameworks for waste management, corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, inadequate access to
funds, dearth of appropriate technology, little staff encouragement, emergence of less
environmental- compatible products and unending changes in the consumption trend. This
corroborates the view of Oteng- Ababio (2011). Barise (2011) have mentioned the constraints on
waste management in Africa to include inadequate resource allocation, lack of know- how,
inadequate drive to find alternative solutions for waste disposal and low political priority.
Adeyinka, Bankole and Olaye (2005) have asserted that the constraints on regulatory waste
management include the dearth of funds which hampers the service delivery ability of local
authorities saddled with waste management responsibilities. The corruption and low value
addition of waste management services in the developing countries of the world is also a major
constraint on inorganic waste management Igbinomwanhia (2011) and Agbesola (2013) reported
that municipal expenses on waste management is more than one- third of total municipal
expenses but the level of waste management service often offered by such municipalities remain
poor and ineffective. In the developing countries, a practice that have hampered waste
management and waste management regulation is the dumping of solid wastes by households
and businesses on major roads and dump- sites and setting such wastes on fire without pollution
control (Walling et al, 2004). This assertion was corroborated by Igbinomwanhia and
Ohwovoriole (2012) who also maintained that a larger portion of waste generated are dumped
indiscriminate into drainage systems and water- ways and this practice resulted in various
community environmental crises. The introduction of waste management machinery that are
largely foreign designed and not compatible to the domestic conditions obtainable in the
developing countries; have made waste management difficult especially for workers who are
often unable and inefficient in the utilization and maintenance of the machinery as well as the
local authorities saddled with prohibitive maintenance costs (Khatib, 2011). Babayemi and
Dauda (2009) asserted that the constraints on waste management in Nigeria can be linked to
inadequate equipment for collection and separation, lack of technical know- how, poor

31
environmental consciousness, and a general weakness of the solid waste management guidelines
and poor monitoring of compliance to such guidelines. A technical constraint hampering waste
management in developing countries is the inadequate levels of qualified waste management
personnel. Zavodska (2003) reported that there is often no formal training program for waste
management personnel and communication is often very poor. Agunwamba (1998) reported that
there is a paucity of human resources at the state and local government level and a robust private
sector with expertise necessary for solid waste management planning and implementation.

2.10 Global advances in sustainable options for inorganic waste management

Solid waste management as a key societal service have as its goals the reduction of volume and
composition of generated waste, increased accessibility by households to waste collection,
improvement in public awareness and attitude towards waste management and recycling and
finding ways to generate renewable energy. Awaisu (2011) maintained that waste minimization
is the key to enhancing resource efficiency and competitiveness – several initiatives have already
been put in place in various countries, for example, the ‗UNEP/UNIDO Cleaner Production
approach, China‘s circular economy approach, Japan‘s sound material recycling society and
reuse, reduce and recycle approach, EU‟s waste prevention and recycling strategy‘ (Devas,
1989; Onibokun and Kumuyi, 2003; Kinyanjui, 2014). For a long period, landfilling was seen as
the most viable and inexpensive option for waste management in the developing countries,
however Kinyanjui (2014) stressed that waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting are
potential management options for the state as reliance on landfilling could be significantly
reduced if these options are exploited to the maximum in a structured environment.

Band and Post (2004) reported that advances in waste management are dependent on the
initiatives that have being taken by different governments. Nepal have adopted the
‗Strengthening Local Capacities in Integrated Sustainable Waste Management‘- a program aimed
at designing and enforcing grass- roots alternative waste processing centres in the municipalities.
In Egypt, a waste pricing and cost remittance model have been designed and implemented,
according to this framework, private firms are contracted to manage waste in the districts with
the governorate of each district enforcing monitoring and evaluation. Fees are collected through
electricity bills. The program has been judged successful in Alexandria, Cairo, Aswan, Giza and

32
Port Said. Sharholy et al (2007) have confirmed that inorganic waste form a significant portion
of municipal solid wastes and they have the potential of being recovered for other uses. Such
recovery purposes are widespread in the developed countries where sustainable options in
inorganic waste management have being actively pursued on the grounds that such options are
seen as integral to the process of ensuring improved standard of living for their citizens (Schultz
et al, 1995).

A major advance in management of inorganic waste which has also proved to be sustainable is
recycling. Schultz et al (1995) described recycling as the process through which materials
previously used are collected, processes, remanufactured and reused. Recycling is an effective
way of minimizing problems of solid wastes at generation point, transit and disposal, and
ultimately reduces waste disposal cost. The waste recycling activities are also justified on both
economic and environmental grounds because they can help save resources, protect the
environment, and contribute to sustainable development (Millennium Assessment Report, 2005).
Harlody et al (2001) reported that recycling remains a principal method of inorganic waste
management and in the developing countries enforcement of the process is achieved through the
utilization of curb- side programs for waste collection and segregation. Recycling is very
relevant to the management of inorganic waste. In addition, recycling has proved to be
attractive because while serving as a viable strategy for solid waste reduction, it also serves as a
way to decrease resource use in the production of new products (Girling, 2005; Agbesola, 2013).
The high rates of recycling in some developed and developing countries testifies to its benefits
and its economic mode as a means of waste management (Troschinetz and Mihelcic, 2008).

According to Girling (2005), the recycling of solid wastes is waste management options that also
have the positive effect of generating formal and informal employment opportunities while
proffering in a sustainable manner environmentally sound solutions to the challenges of waste
management. According to Furedy (1992) and Harlody et al (2001), recycling is manifested in
dynamics such as the urban poor‘s reuse of refuse. According to the authors, recycling is not
only a waste management option but is also survival strategy adopted by the urban poor when
formal employment opportunities are scarce, during periods of economic downturns or when
non- waste resources are unaffordable or unavailable. Recycling also offer other advantages,
inorganic waste recycling plays a considerable role in improving the aesthetics and functionality

33
of the urban physical environment because it reduces the amount of waste in the dump- sites, in
drainages or on the street (Furedy, 1992). Recycling also plays an environmental conservation
role by recycling materials which translates into reduced exploitation of natural resources for
new materials and thus curtail the effects of such phenomenon as ecological footprints and global
warming (Medina, 2005). Also, the ILO (2001) has recognized the potentials of recycling as a
means of generating employment opportunities. Medina (2005) noted that even in the informal
recycling economy that is widespread in Africa, a network of waste pickers and middlemen exist
to ensure that end- users get access to materials. According to Mensah (2010), recycling also
spurs entrepreneurial development in developing economies, according to the author; studies
suggest that a range of entrepreneurs ranging from middlemen, waste pickers, traders and
wholesalers are involved in the recycling value chain because of the low skill requirement, free
entry and low capital investment. Lacoste and Chalmin (2007) also maintained that recycling
could lead to the development of the environment ethic in the community and that recycling
provides more jobs than what land- filling and open dumps could provide. Harlody et al (2001)
posited that various innovative community- level waste management schemes in Asian and Latin
American cities which have being challenged with unregulated waste in the past have being
based on the process of recycling. Band and Post (2004) reported that in Kenya, recycling is
done by local artisan groups who work with a network of waste collectors and out of waste items
fashion products such as farm tools (watering cans and can-sprayers) and kitchen tools. Such
tools have a large market and a cheaper to produce hence has a lower cost- price. The networks
of waste collectors are also involved in the purchase and resell of industrial wastes, scrap office
equipment and discarded household wares. This finding is supported by Karanja (2005) who
noted that recycling is widespread in East Africa with a value chain of waste- dealers, waste
pickers and large- scale waste recyclers. The economics of recycling have also prompted its
adoption by different industries. As Klundert (2005) explained, recycling of materials means less
energy will be expended in the production of new items. Specifically, recycling might save up to
50% of energy requirement when compared with production from virgin materials. In South-
East Asia, recycling is widely adopted and have played a key role in industrial development
because it stimulated the development of industrial skills, entrepreneurial ability and sustained
resource use (Lee- Kuan, 2005). In several parts of Africa, recycling has also been adopted for
the process of utilizing agro- residues for energy generation (Mwesigye et al, 2009; Onu et al,

34
2014).Various inorganic wastes are also aggregated into composites that serve as aggregate in
the production of construction materials such as tiles, ceilings and bricks (Mwesigye et al 2009).
In Tanzania, recycling is a major solid waste management practice and has provided income to
city councils and citizens who are involved along the value chain that transforms solid waste into
items like knives, spoons, frying pans and plastic bags (Klundert, 2005). According to Mensah
(2010), recycling is often confined to inorganic materials like plastic, scrap metal, paper,
cardboard and glass bottles- this is because these items are in high demand and their wastes still
have ample percentage of usable material.

2.11 Summary of literature review

Different empirical literature has examined the concepts of waste management, inorganic waste
and viable options for waste management. Awaisu (2011) have attempted an assessment of the
commercialization programme of solid waste management in Abuja, Nigeria. The study had as
its objectives a measurement of the outcomes of waste commercialization in the study area and
the explanatory factors for the outcomes. The study utilized primary data- which was collected
through the use of questionnaires, interviews and field observations- and secondary data.
Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The conclusions of the study are that; the
commercialization programmes are largely inefficient and ineffective in the study area. The
identified explanatory factors are institutional constraints, financial constraints, and poor choice
of waste management technologies by the vendors.

Aprilia, Tezuka, and Spaargaren (2013) have studied inorganic and hazardous solid waste
management in Indonesia. The study focused on household waste management in Indonesia with
emphasis on the status and challenges for inorganic and hazardous solid waste management.
Survey method was used in eliciting data for the study. The researchers weighed and compared
over a two weeks period waste generated in different area of Indonesia. The study concluded that
kitchen waste constitutes the largest percentage of household waste (52%) with inorganic waste
accounting for 26%. The study also concluded based on results that more than 60% of inorganic
wastes are recyclable. Inorganic waste management was shown to be hampered by irregularities
in the operational and legal frameworks guiding recycling in the country. Igbinomwanhia and
Ohwovoriole (2012) carried out a study on the constraints on residential solid waste management

35
in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria. The work involved a site-specific study to estimate the quantity of
waste generated in the metropolis. Information for the study was obtained through the use of
structured questionnaires to elicit data on the socio- economic characteristics of households and
household practices as regards waste management descriptive statistics were used in the analysis
of data collected. The results of the study showed that poor education, poor income, institutional
structures, social disposition and cultural norms are the constraints on waste management in the
metropolis.

Agbesola (2013) have studied the sustainability of municipal solid waste management in
Nigeria using Lagos as a case example. The study examined the extant trend for waste handling
in households in the state as well as the trends in waste management in the formal and informal
sectors. A case study methodology was adopted for the study with data obtained through primary
data collection, field observation and interviews with identified stakeholders. A key discovery of
the study is that the employed options of waste management are dependent on local conditions.
The study concluded that reduction, reuse, recycling and composting are the viable waste
management options in the state. Kinyanjui (2014) have studied the challenges and opportunities
of inorganic solid waste reuse and recycling in Kenya. Data for the study was
collected through the means of a questionnaire distributed to 235 respondents made up of
households, businesses and waste traders. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and
inference was drawn using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to test for correlation between
socio- economic characteristics and the waste- management practice of separation. The study
concluded that opportunities abound in the study area for inorganic waste recycling. The
challenges to inorganic waste management are found to be vandalism, poor funding and
inadequate and unenforced policies and by- laws guiding solid waste re- use and recycling.

Olukanni, Ede. Akinwumi and Oluseyi (2014) worked on appraisal of municipal solid waste
management with emphasis on effects and resource potentials. Site specific field work was used
in eliciting data in the study. The field work involved quantitative and descriptive methods and
assessments involving characterization of waste samples obtained from major bin locations. The
study adopted a waste sample of 280kg for analytical purposes and discovered that 64% of such
wastes collected from four locations in a semi-urban area are recyclable. The study concluded

36
that solving the problem of waste management can only be done through a productive
partnership between the government and the private sector.

37
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

Research method refers to the process used in the collection of data that is needed for making
decisions in a research work. It involves rules, procedures and steps used in carrying out the
research work that is based on assumptions used to arrive at most decisions made. The various
methods of data collection and sampling constitutes of data acquisition, data collection source
and method, research design, research population and sample size, questionnaire construction
and administration and analysis of data. This research is based on survey method of data
collection with structured questionnaire administered, field observation as the major instruments.

3.1 Design of the Study

Descriptive survey research designs were adopted in this research. This is because descriptive
survey study sets out to describe and interpret what exist. Such a study looks at individual,
groups, institutions, methods and materials in order to describe, compare, contrast, classify,
analyze and interpret the entities and events that constitute their various fields of inquiry.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population of this study consists of all the residents in Somolu Local Government Area of
Lagos State, Nigeria.

3.3 Data Acquisition

Having reviewed the literature in the previous chapter, a number of key issues have been
identified in relation to the objectives of the study that are relevant to the solid waste
management study. These included: availability of waste management facilities, household waste
disposal, collection and disposal of waste, as well as the capacity of waste management
authorities to manage solid waste in Somolu Local Government Area. On this basis, an
appropriate methodology was developed to collect data on the key issues listed above. This

38
chapter deals with research design, sample size and sampling techniques, the instrument used,
data collection procedures and finally statistical data analysis.

3.4 Data Collection

The source of data collection refers to the method the researcher used in collecting data from the
target population. There are two main source of data collection which include the primary and
secondary source (Bell, Bryman & Harley, 2018). In light of this, the study gathered data from
secondary and primary sources using a variety of techniques. The next section discusses the
sources in detail.

 Secondary Source:

These are basically data that have already been collected for other purposes, but are available to
the researcher. Secondary data were obtained from books, articles, newspapers and online
literature review sources. These have been analyzed in chapter two. The data collected includes:
the objective of waste management by the Assembly, strategies, activities, timeframe,
implementing agencies, collaborators and indicative costs.

 Primary Source:

Primary data were collected through preliminary field investigations, survey questionnaires and
face-to-face interviews. These data are basically collected by a researcher through a personal
effort in the context of a specific ongoing research project. The primary source serves as a means
of obtaining the relevant information from the study area. During this process, pictures were
taken of heaps of solid waste at dump sites, solid waste skips overflowing with solid waste,
dispersed solid waste in between houses. This was included in the analysis of field data. This
process weighed the problems and guided the formulation of the questionnaire survey and the
interview schedule.

3.5 Research Instruments, Data Collection and Validation

The main instrument used for this study was a structured questionnaire, which was prepared in
two parts. Sections A and B. Section A; contain information on the demographic data of the

39
respondents while Section B; consist the statements that addressed variables under consideration.
The questionnaire was modified on Four-Point rating Scale of Very High (VH), High (H), Low
(L) and Very Low (VL) respectively. In an attempt to test the face validity of the research
instrument, the measuring instrument was presented to the researcher‗s supervisors and
colleagues and feedback was gotten on the relevance of the instrument in measuring the variables
it was designed to measure.

The instruments used for collection of data in this research study was field investigation,
questionnaire survey and face-to-face interview were used to gather primary data. The
questionnaires restricted the respondents to the questions where they are expected to indicate
their choice of response. It contains close ended questions i.e. it sets a limit to which the
respondents can answer questions.

i. Preliminary Field Investigation:

Field observation involved scouting through the study area to assess the following.

 The nature of waste disposal methods in the study area

 Identifying predominant waste disposal methods in the study area.
 The communal collection of waste skips.
 Dustbins in selected study areas
ii. Questionnaire:

Household data were collected by means of a questionnaire survey. The data collection is based
on the following variables:

 Types of solid waste,

 Place of disposal,
 Resident perception of open dumping in the high and low elevation areas.
 Availability of skips and bins for storage of waste,
 Mode of waste collection

40
 iii. Face-to-face Interview:

A face-to-face interview is used to collect data from the following key stakeholders on solid
waste management in the study area to establish implications of the study for municipal waste
and flood management. As the name implies, in an attempt to meet the objectives of the study,
respondents who are best able to answer the research questions are selected.

3.5.1 Identify predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local Government Area.

This is done through questionnaires administration during field survey in the study area.

3.5.2 Evaluate the variation in resident perception of open dumping in the high and low
elevation areas of Somolu Local Government Area.

This is done through questionnaire administration and observation during the field survey.
Questionnaires are used to cross tabulated and determine the resident‘s perception of open
dumping and their educational level in Somolu Local Government Area.

3.5.3 Assess the relationship between flooding and predominant waste disposal methods in
the area.

The evidence of the various effect and habit of the resident predominant waste disposal methods
and their relationship with flooding are easily observable. Questionnaires are equally used in
carrying this process.

3.5.4 Establish the implications of the study for municipal waste and flood management

This is achieved through thorough field investigation and oral interview with educated personnel
in the study area. Responses from the questionnaire administered are also used to establish some
specific implications of the study for municipal waste and flood management.

3.6 Sample and Population Size

A sample is a small fraction of the total population which must correctly represent the total
population under the study. Sample size is the total number of units the researcher wants to select
from the total population (Meyers, Gamst & Guarino, 2016). Population on the other hand is a

41
large collection of individuals or objects that is the focus of the research work. The population of
any study refers to the total elements, units, items or individuals from which samples are taken
for research measurement (Bell et al., 2018). It had a population of 403,569 in 2006, according to
the Nigerian State Population Census.

Fig 3.1: Number of Questionnaires to be distributed per Street

S/N STREET NAMES ELEVATION COORDINATE NO. OF

QUESTIONNAIRE
1. FASANYA STREET 20m 6 31‘ 36‖ N 20
3 21‘ 58‖ E
2. FADEYI STREET 18m 6 31‘ 29‖ N 20
3 22‘ 04‖ E
3. ABDULLAHI STREET 16m 6 31‘ 31‖ N 20
3 22‘ 08‖ E
4. ISAAC JOHN STREET 14m 6 31‘ 37‖ N 20
3 22‘ 13‖ E
5. SHIRO STREET 12m 6 31‘ 27‖ N 20
3 22‘ 18‖ E
6. OBIWUNMI STREET 10m 6 31‘ 46‖ N 20
3 22‘ 33‖ E
7. AKINSOLA STREET 8m 6 31‘ 27‖ N 20
3 22‘ 18‖ E
8. BANKOLE STREET 6m 6 31‘ 29‖ N 20
3 22‘ 33‖ E
9. KAYODE STREET 4m 6 31‘ 28‖ N 20
3 22‘ 49‖ E

10. FOLA AGORO 2m 6 31‘ 25‖ N 20

STREET 3 22‘ 53‖ E

42
Fig 3.2: Wards in Somolu Local Government

S/N WARD NAMES

1. A. BASHUA EAST & WEST

2. B. ONIPANU

3. C. OKESUNA/ALASE

4. D. BAJULAIYE

5. E. IGARI

6. F. ORILE SOMOLU/ALADE

7. G. ILEBU TEDO

8. H. IGBOBI/FADEYI

Source: L a g o s S t a t e Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

In this study, by the use of survey design, the questionnaires are to be distributed among the
different street of the study area as shown in table 1.

The questionnaires are distributed base on the population and land area and also the commercial
activities of the people in the study area.

The questionnaire is classified into two sections namely;

Section A: This part deals with the personal information of the respondents such as age, sex,
level of education, marital status etc.

Section B: This part is the most important aspect of the study. From the survey, information
pertaining the different views and opinions of the respondents, are gotten and documented to be
used for the research.

43
3.7 Data Analysis and Statistical Presentation Techniques

The importance of data analysis is that it provides a basis for researcher to make inferences and
conclusion as regards the behavior of the variables of the research study. Research is meant to
provide data for analysis and this usually results in a large volume or amount of statistical
information which is mostly in its raw stage (Bell et al, 2018). The data that is obtained from the
various sources for this research study will be analyzed manually and with the use of Statistical
Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Tables are used, in the presentation of the findings.

3.8 Limitation of the Methodology

This research may be inaccurate in terms of the validity and reliability. This is due to untruth
responses from the respondents who may not be willing to disclose delicate information.

44
 CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF DATA, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter is a presentation of the data gathered from the administration of 200 copies of
questionnaire to residents in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, the analysis, test of
the postulated hypotheses and discussion of findings. The computation and analysis of the data
were done through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.

4.1 Demographic Data

Table 1: Sex Distribution

Gender Frequency Percent

Male 135 67.5
Female 65 38.5
Total 200 100.0

The analysis of table 1 indicates that there are 200 respondents involved in this study, of which
135 respondents are males which represents 67.5 percent of the total respondents and 65
respondents are females which represents 38.5 percent of the total respondents.

Table 2: Age Distribution of the Respondents

Age Frequency Percent

20-29 Years 70 35.0
30-39 Years 33 16.5
40-49 Years 45 22.5
50-59 Years 32 16.0
60 Years and above 32 16.0
Total 200 100

The analysis of the results in table 2 indicates that 72 respondents which represent 35.0 percent
of the total respondents indicated they are within the age bracket of 20-29 years. Thirty three of
them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that they are within the age

45
bracket of 30-39 years, 45 of them which represent 22.5 percent of the total respondents
indicated that they are within the age bracket of 40-49 years and above, 32 of the respondents
which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they are within the age bracket
of 50-59 years, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated
that they are within the age bracket of 60 years and above.

Table 3: Educational Qualification of the Respondents

Educational Qualification Frequency Percent

WAEC/GCE 65 32.5
OND/HND 70 35
B.Sc. 33 16.5
M.Sc. 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 3 shows that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated that they had school leaving certificate WAEC/GCE, 70 of the
which represent 35 percent of the total respondents indicated they had Ordinary National
Diploma, also, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they
had Bachelor of Science or Arts/Education, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the
total respondents indicated that they had master in sciences or Education/Arts.

Table 4: Occupation of the Respondents

Occupation Frequency Percent

Civil servant 70 35.0
Business worker 33 16.5
Trader 33 16.5
Private worker 32 16
Others 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 4 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they are civil servants, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated that they are business workers, 33 of them which represent 16.5

46
percent of the total respondents indicated they are traders, also, 32 of them which represent 16
percent of the total respondents indicated that they are private workers, while 32 of them which
represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they are involved in other things.

Table 5: House rent/Annum (₦)

House rent/Annum Frequency Percent

less than 25,000 70 35.0
25,000-100,000 33 16.5
101,000-200,000 33 16.5
200,000-300,000 32 16
above 300,000 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 5 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they pay less than 25,000 annually, 33 of them which represent 16.5
percent of the total respondents indicated that they pay 25,000-100,000 annually, 33 of them
which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they pay 101,000-200,000
annually, also, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they
pay 200,000-300,000 annually, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they payabove 300,000 annually.

Table 6: Monthly Income

Monthly Income Frequency Percent

less than 50,000 65 32.5
50,000-100,000 70 35.0
101,000-150,000 33 16.5
above 150,000 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 6 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they earn less than 50,000 Naira, 70 of the respondents which represent 35
percent of the total respondents indicated that they earn 50,000-100,000 Naira, 33 of them
which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they earn 101,000-150,000

47
Naira, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they
earn above 150,000 Naira.

Table 7: Duration of stay in Somolu

Duration of stay in Somolu Frequency Percent

0-2 years 65 32.5
2-4 years 70 35.0
4-6 years 33 16.5
above 6 years 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 7 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they have stayed in Somolu 0-2 years, 70 of the respondents which represent 35
percent of the total respondents indicated that they have stayed in Somolu 2-4 years, 33 of them
which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they have stayed in Somolu 4-6
years, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they
have stayed in Somolu above 6 years.

Table 8: Types of Accommodation

Types of Accommodation Frequency Percent
single room 65 32.5
mini-flat 70 35.0
2-bedroom 33 16.5
3-bedroom 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 8 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they live in single room, 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the
total respondents indicated that they live in mini-flat, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent
of the total respondents indicated they live in 2-bedroom, while 32 of them which represent 16
percent of the total respondents indicated that they live in 3-bedroom.

48
Table 9: Type of occupier

Types of Occupiers Frequency Percent

rent 65 32.5
build 70 35.0
buy 33 16.5
inheritance 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 9 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they rent the place, 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they build the place, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated they bought the place, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent
of the total respondents indicated that they inherited the place.

Table 10: Number of floors

Number of Floors Frequency Percent

ground level 70 35.0
1 33 16.5
2 33 16.5
3 32 16
4 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 10 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent indicated
that they are in ground level, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents
indicated they are in first floor, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents
indicated they are in second floor, also, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they are in third floor, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent
of the total respondents indicated that they are in fourth floor.

49
Table 11: Types of floor Occupiers
Type of Occupiers Frequency Percent
ground Floor 70 35.0
First 33 16.5
Second 33 16.5
Third 32 16
Fourth 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 11 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they are in ground floor occupiers, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated they are in first floor occupiers, 33 of them which represent 16.5
percent of the total respondents indicated they are in second floor occupiers, also, 32 of them
which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they are in third floor
occupiers, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that
they are in fourth floor occupiers.

4.2 Objective 1: Identify predominant waste disposal methods in Somolu Local

Government Area.

Table 12: What type of waste comes out from your household?

What type of waste comes Frequency Percent

out from your household?
Paper 33 16.5
Plastics 33 16.5
Food waste 33 16.5
Tin/cans 32 16
Glass 32 16
Others 37 18.5
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 12 shows that 33 of the respondents which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated that paper wastes come out of their household, 33 of them which
represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that plastics wastes come out of their
household, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that food

50
wastes come out of their household. In same vein, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the
total respondents indicated that tin/cans waste come out of their household, 32 of them which
represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that glass wastes come out of their
household, while 37 of them which represent 18.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that
other wastes come out of their household.

Table 13: In what type of container do you collect waste?

Type of container Frequency Percent

Waste basket 65 32.5
Carton 70 35.0
Old buckets 33 16.5
Others 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 13 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they have waste basket, 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the
total respondents indicated that they have Carton, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of
the total respondents indicated they have old buckets, while 32 of them which represent 16
percent of the total respondents indicated that they have other waste containers.

Table 14: How often is the waste container emptied?

Duration to Empty Waste Container Frequency Percent

Once a day 65 32.5
Once in two days 70 35.0
Once a week 33 16.5
Others 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 14 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they emptied their waste container once in a day, 70 of the respondents which
represent 35 percent of the total respondents indicated that they emptied their waste container
once in two days, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated

51
they emptied their waste container once in a week, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent
of the total respondents indicated that they emptied their waste container other times.

Table 15: Where do you usually put away collected wastes?

Aways of disposing wastes Frequency Percent

Public bin 33 16.5
Waste van 33 16.5
Drainages 33 16.5
Road or Street side 32 16
Open space 32 16
Others 37 18.5
Total 200 100
The analysis of table 15 indicates that 33 of the respondents which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated they disposed their wastes in public bins, 33 of them which represent
16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they disposed their wastes into waste van, 33 of
them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they disposed their waste
into drainages, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they
disposed their wastes on road or street side, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they disposed their wastes on open space, while 37 of them which
represent 18.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that disposed their wastes through other
means.

Table 16: Are there any public bins near your house?

Response Frequency Percent

NO 98 49
Yes 102 57
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 16 shows that 98 of the respondents which represent 49 percent of the total
respondents indicated that there are no public bins close to their house, while 102 respondents
indicated they have public bins closer to their houses.

52
Table 17: If there are public bins, how often are they emptied?

Duration of Dispose Frequency Percent

Once a week 70 35.0
Twice a week 33 16.5
Thrice a week 65 32.5
Others 32 16.0
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 17 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they disposed their waste once a week, 33 of them which represent
16.5 percent indicated that they disposed their wastes twice a week, in same vein, 65 of them
which represent 32.5 percent of the total respondent indicated that they disposed their wastes
thrice a week, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent indicated that they disposed their
wastes other times.

Table 18: How can you describe the state of the public bin near your house?

State of the public bin Frequency Percent

Good state 65 32.5
Rusting 33 16.5
Not in good condition 70 35.0
Don‘t know 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 18 shows that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent indicated
that the public bins closer to their residents are in good state, 33 of them which represent 16.5
percent of the total respondents indicated that the public bins closer to their residents are rusting
already, in same vein, 70 of them which represent 35 percent of the total respondents indicated
that the public bins closer to their houses are not in good condition, while 32 of them which
represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they do not know.

53
4.3 Objective 2: Examine the variation in resident perception of open dumping in high,
medium and low elevation in the study area.
Table 19: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in high elevations?

Category A High elevation

Elevation Frequency Percent

20m 10 12.5
18m 17 21.25
16m 23 28.75
14m 30 37.5
Total 80 100

The analysis of table 19 shows that 10 respondents which represent 12.5 percent of the total
respondent at 20m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and flooding, 17 of them
representing 21.25 percent at 18m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and
flooding, 23 respondents representing 28.75 percent at 16m elevation perceive open dumping
and flooding, while 30 of the respondents which represent 37.5 percent at 14m elevation
indicated that they experience open dumping and flooding.

Table 20: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in medium elevation

Category B Medium elevation

Elevation Frequency Percent

12m 15 25

10m 20 33.3333

8m 25 41.6667

Total 60 100

54
The analysis of table 20 shows that 15 respondents which represent 25 percent of the total
respondent at 12m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and flooding, 20 of them
representing 33.33 percent at 10m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and
flooding, while 25 respondents representing 41.6667 percent at 8m elevation perceive open
dumping and flooding.

Table 21: Does residents perceive open dumping and flooding in low elevation?

Category C Low elevation

Elevation Frequency Percent

6m 12 20

4m 18 30

2m 30 50

Total 60 100

The analysis of table 21 shows that 12 respondents which represent 20 percent of the total
respondent at 6m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and flooding, 18 of them
representing 30 percent at 4m elevation indicated that they perceive open dumping and flooding,
while 30 respondents representing 50 percent at 2m elevation perceive open dumping and
flooding.

Discussion
The data analysis of the table presented shows the variation of resident perception of open
dumping and flood management. From the tables, each categories of elevation varies. From
category A which is the higher elevation, respondents‘ perception of open dumping and flood
management is low because, these areas are less prone to the problems of waste management
practices and flooding. 37.5 percent which is the highest at 14m elevation indicated that they
experience open dumping and flooding. These areas are less affected by flooding because they
have the capacity to erode waste downslope to the medium and low elevation due to heavy

55
rainfall. Drainages as well as water diversion can alter the discharge to floodplain. Category B
with 41.6667 percent at 8m elevation is the medium elevation area, and these areas are prone to
open dumping and flooding, but on an average level because materials from high elevation are
therefore, eroded to the lower elevation through available drainages. Category C with 50 percent
at 2m elevation is the low elevation areas, and they are more prone to open dumping and
flooding. This is because waste can easily be transported from high elevation to low elevation as
a result of heavy rainfall and poor drainages leading to flooding. Floods in various parts of low
elevation have displaced some of the people, destroyed property, disrupted socioeconomic
activities, contaminated water resources and facilitated the spread of water-borne diseases. With
no doubt, rushing water is very powerful. Flood can destroy everything along it way.

4.3 Objective 3: Assess the relationship between flooding and predominant waste disposal
methods in the area.

Table 22: Have you ever experienced flooding in this your neighborhood?

Response Frequency Percent

NO 98 49
Yes 102 57
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 22 shows that 98 of the respondents which represent 49 percent of the total
respondents do not agreed that they ever experienced flooding in this your neighborhood, while
102 respondents agreed they had experienced flooding in this your neighborhood.

Table 23: Frequency of flooding in a month

Frequency of Flood Frequency Percent

1-3 65 32.5
4-6 70 35.0
7-10 33 16.5
more than 10 32 16
Total 200 100

56
The analysis of table 23 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that they experience flood 1-3 in a month, 70 of the respondents which represent 35
percent of the total respondents indicated that they experience flood 4-6 in a month, 33 of them
which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated they experience flood 7-10 in a
month, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they
experience flood more than 10 in a month.
Table 24: What is your opinion of the frequency of flood events in your neighborhood in
the last five years?

Events of Flood Frequency Percent

Increasing 33 16.5
Decreasing 70 35.0
No change 33 16.5
Varies 32 16
Don‘t know 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 24 shows that 33 of the respondents which represent 16.5 percent of the
total respondents indicated that events of flood are increasing in the area, 70 of them which
represent 35.0 percent of the total respondent indicated that the events of flood are decreasing in
the area, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that there is
no change, in same vein, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents
indicated that events of flood in the area vary, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of
the total respondents indicated that they do not know.

Table 25: How do you perceive the rate of flooding in the area?

Responses Frequency Percent

Very high 70 35.0
High 33 16.5
Normal 33 16.5
Low 32 16
Very low 32 16
Total 200 100

57
The analysis of table 25 shows that 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the total
respondents indicated that they perceived the rate of flooding very high in the area, 33 of them
which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that they perceived the rate of
flooding high in the area, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents
indicated that they perceived the rate of flooding normal in the area, 32 of them which represent
16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they perceived the rate of flooding low in the
area, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated that they perceived
the rate of flooding very low in the area.

Table 26: What factors contribute to flooding in your area?

Factors Frequency Percent

Heavy rainfall 33 16.5
Building in flood plain 33 16.5
Dumping refuse 33 16.5
River overflow 32 16
Inadequate drainages 32 16
Others 37 18.5
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 26 shows that 33 of them which represent 16.5 per cent of the total
respondents indicated that heavy rainfall in the area is a factor, 33 of them which represent 16.5
per cent of the total respondents indicated that buildings in flood plain cause flood in the area,
33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that dumping refuse
cause flood in the area, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated
that river overflow cause flood in the area, 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the total
respondents indicated that inadequate drainages cause flood in the area, while 37 of them which
represent 18.5 percent of the total respondents indicated that other factors cause flood in the
area.

58
Table 27: Rank the contribution of each of these factors to flooding in your area

Factors Very high High Normal Low Very

(%) (%) (%) (%) low
(%)
Inadequate drainages 33 (16.5) 33 70 32 32
(16.5) (35) (16) (16)
Heavy rainfall 33 (16.5) 33 70 32 32
(16.5) (35) (16) (16)
Dumping refuse in drainages 33 (16.5) 70 33 32 32
(35) (16.5) (16) (16)
River overflow 33 (16.5) 70 33 32 32
(35) (16.5) (16) (16)
Building in flood plain 33 (16.5) 70 33 32 32
(35) (16.5) (16) (16)

The analysis of table 27 shows that 66 of them which represent 33 percent of the total
respondents ranked those inadequate drainages in the area, 70 of them which represent 35
percent of the total respondents indicated that normal drainage, while 34 respondents which
represent 32 percent ranked low inadequate drainage system. The table 26 indicates that 66 of
them which represent 33 percent of the total respondents ranked that heavy rainfall in the area,
70 of them which represent 35 percent of the total respondents ranked that heavy rainfall, while
34 respondents which represent 32 percent ranked low rainfall. The table 26 also shows that
103 respondents which represent 68 percent ranked high dumping refuse in drainages. 33 which
represent 16.5 percent ranked dumping refuse in drainages normal, while 34 respondents which
represent 32 percent ranked dumping refuse in drainages low. The table 26 also shows that 103
respondents which represent 68 percent ranked high river overflow. 33 which represent 16.5
percent ranked river overflow normal, while 34 respondents which represent 32 percent ranked
river overflow in drainages low. The table 26 also shows that 103 respondents which represent
68 percent ranked high building in flood plain. 33 which represent 16.5 percent ranked building
in flood plain normal, while 34 respondents which represent 32 percent ranked river building in
flood plain low.

59
Table 28: What effects of flooding in the area have you or others experienced?

Responses Frequency Percent

loss of properties 65 32.5
restriction of movement 70 35.0
displacement of people 33 16.5
Others 32 16
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 28 indicates that 65 of the respondents which represent 32.5 percent
indicated that there is loss of properties, 70 of the respondents which represent 35 percent of the
total respondents indicated that there is restriction of movement, 33 of them which represent
16.5 percent of the total respondents indicated there is displacement of people, while 32 of them
which represent 16 percent of the total respondents indicated other things happen in the area.

Table 29: Quality of the environment in Somolu as compared to the environment you had 5
years ago

Quality of the environment Frequency Percent

Much better 33 16.5
A little better 70 35.0
The same 33 16.5
A little worse 32 16.0
Much worse 32 16.0
Total 200 100

The analysis of table 29 indicates that 33 of the respondents which represent 16.5 percent
indicated that Somolu is much better than Bariga for the past five years, 70 of the respondents
which represent 35 percent of the total respondents indicated that Somolu is a little better than
Bariga for the past five years, 33 of them which represent 16.5 percent of the total respondents
indicated that Somolu is the same as Bariga, while 32 of them which represent 16 percent of the
total respondents indicated that Somolu is much worse than Bariga for the past five years.

60
4.4 Objective 4: Establish the implications of the study for municipal waste and flood
management in Lagos State.

The pair of municipal solid waste and floods has become an intractable challenge, particularly in
Lagos and many other cities within and outside Nigeria. Waste generation and flooding are
inevitable phenomena within natural cycles. As wastes convey nutrients from one part of the
environment to another, floods offer water balance and associated resources between areas of
excess and shortage. However, human interference engenders the negativity that has been
recorded owing to the friction between the pair.

The rate of occurrences of floods in the Lagos metropolis in recent times has been of great
concern and challenge to the people and government authorities (Aderogba, 2012a). From the
early 1970s to date, flood has occasioned building collapse, submerged markets, destroyed
property and affected more than 300,000 people in the city of Lagos (Etuonovbe, 2011).
According to This Day of 15 July, 2011, a number of vehicles and houses were submerged by
the flood of 14 July, 2011 and virtually all parts of Lagos State were flooded. In search of
pragmatic solutions to flooding in the Lagos metropolis, researchers have recommended
adequate collection of MSW (Oyebande, 1983, 1990, 2005; Adeaga, 2008; Akpodiogaga and
Odjugo, 2010; Ikhile and Olorode, 2011; Aderogba, 2012), with little empirical evidence of the
relationships between flooding and municipal solid waste management.

There is tendency that household size and income could affect volume of waste likely to be
generated by household. However, this study did not measure the quantity of waste generated by
each household; rather, it projected quantity generated per local government area. The
information obtained on the size of households revealed that most of the respondents had large
household size. By inference, they are likely to generate much waste. Excessive rainfall and
blockage of drainage channels by municipal solid waste caused flooding in streets. The risk of
flooding of MSW landfills is assessed by using information about flood risk zones. Collection of
waste from households, factories, and other generation points to dump sites is an intractable
challenge in developing countries. This is because waste management usually accounts for 30 to
50% of municipal operational budget. However, despite these high expenses, cities, especially
those in developing countries, can only collect 50 to 60% of the refuse generated (Arunprasad,
2009).

61
 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

For a research of this magnitude, it is necessary that a summary should be given. Indiscriminate
dumping, irregular collections of waste and inadequate resources are the key problems in solid
waste management. Therefore, the main objective is to identify predominant waste disposal
methods in Somolu Local Government Area, Assess the relationship between flooding and
predominant waste disposal methods in the area, establish the implications of the study for
municipal waste and flood management and suggest possible measures to tackle the problem.

5.1 Summary of Findings

On the basis of the data analysis, the followings are the findings made:
1. Respondents indicated they have public bins closer to their houses.
2. Waste disposal method is a problem in the neighbourhood which include; public bin,
waste van, drainages, road or Street side and open space.
3. There is enough information available about the environmental impacts of waste disposal
practices in your area.

Discussion of findings
The data analysis shows that respondents indicated they have public bins closer to their houses.
This finding is in support of Agbesola (2013) that while Lagos has a waste management system
that according to international standards is dismal, the state is the most progressive in terms of
waste management policy design and implementation in the country. The amount of inorganic
waste generated in the city has increased in the last two decades because of population surges
and increase in per capita consumption of consumer and industrial products.

Waste disposal method is a problem in the neighborhood which include; public bin, waste van,
drainages, road or Street side and open space. This finding is in agreement with the assertion of
Narayana (2009), Izeze (1999) and Alam et al (2007) that waste management to be a perennial
challenge in various countries of the world especially the developing ones. The author reported

62
that the challenge is more aggravated because there is a correlation between increased waste
generation and population explosion, industrial development and urbanization.

The problems of solid waste management in developing countries resulted from the surges in
urban population, constantly changing lifestyles and rapid industrialization. And that poorly
managed wastes are perceived as environmental hazards of high significance and the inabilities
of societies to manage waste generation effectively play no small role in increasing extant
environmental pressures. Poor disposal of solid waste has adverse effect on the environment in
general. The issue of solid waste generation and its likely effects on the health, quality of
environment and urban landscape has become burning national issues in Nigeria today.

The data analysis shows that there is enough information available about the environmental
impacts of waste disposal practices in your area. This finding is in consonance with the assertion
of Wakjira (2007) that the most common methods of disposing inorganic waste are sanitary
landfill, open dumping, incineration, open burning and reuse and recycling. The open methods of
disposal have negative impacts on the environment as a whole and on the community living in
the vicinity of the dump-site in particular. Recycling is increasingly being seen as a viable option
for the treatment of inorganic waste in the developing countries.

This study examined assessment of waste disposal practices and attitudes of residents in Somolu
Local Government Area. Four objectives were raised to guide this study and four corresponding
research questions. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this research. This is
because descriptive survey study sets out to describe and interpret what exist. The population of
this study consists of all the residents in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria
estimated to be 403,569 in 2006 census.
The sample of this study is 200 residents that were purposefully selected from eight wards in
Somolu. The data were analyzed using simple percentage. This study discovered that
respondents indicated they have public bins closer to their houses, waste disposal method is a
problem in your neighborhood which include public bin, waste van, drainages, road or Street
side and open space, and that there is enough information available about the environmental
impacts of waste disposal practices in your area.

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5.2 Conclusion
Arising from the forgoing findings, this study concluded that respondents indicated they have
public bins closer to their houses, waste disposal method is a problem in your neighborhood
which include public bin, waste van, drainages, road or Street side and open space, and that there
is enough information available about the environmental impacts of waste disposal practices in
your area. Also, the current Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management practices, especially
collecting, processing and disposing, are considered to be inefficient.

5.3 Recommendations
On the basis of the conclusion reached, this study recommended the followings:
1. More waste disposal methods be initiated aside public bin, waste van, drainages, road or
street side and open space,
2. Proper orientation should be carried out on how to dispose wastes by the waste
management commission
3. Recycling of solid wastes should be targeted as waste management options that also have
the positive effect of generating formal and informal employment opportunities while
proffering in a sustainable manner environmentally sound solutions to the challenges of
waste management.

64
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 APPENDIX

ACADEMIC RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE

Research Topic: Assessment of Waste Disposal Practices and Attitudes of Residents in

Somolu LGA

The goal of this study is to gather preliminary information to assess the nature of waste disposal
among residents of Somolu LGA. The indirect benefit of the study is to improve the
understanding of the impact of solid waste on the environment and waste disposal practice in
Somolu LGA.

Please input {√} in the appropriate answer

Street Name……………………………………

SECTION A: Social Economic Characteristics

1. Sex…….. { } Male { } Female

2. Age distribution….. { } 20-29 { } 30-39 { } 40-49 { } 50-59 { } 60 and above
3. Educational Qualification…… { } WAEC/GCE { } OND/HND { } B.Sc. { } M.Sc.
4. Occupation... { }Civil servant { } Business worker { } Trader { }Private worker
{ } others
5. House rent/Annum (₦)…. { } less than 25,000 { } 25,000-100,000 { } 101,000-
200,000 { } 200,000-300,000 { }above 300,000
6. Monthly income…. { } less than 50,000 { } 50,000-100,000 { } 101,000-
150,000 { } above 150,000
7. Duration of stay in Somolu……… { }0-2 years { }2-4 years { } 4-6 years { } above
6 years
8. Types of accommodation… { } single room { } mini-flat { }2-bedroom { }3-bedroom
9. Type of occupier…. { } rent { } build { } buy { } inheritance
10. Number of floors… { } ground level { } 1 { } 2 { } 3 { } 4
11. Floor occupied… { } ground floor { } 1st floor { } 2nd floor { } 3rd floor { } 4th floor

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SECTION B: Waste disposal methods

12. What type of waste comes out from your household? { } Paper { } Plastics
{ } Food waste { } Tin/cans { } Glass { } others……...
13. In what type of container do you collect waste? { } Waste basket { } Carton
{ } Old buckets { } others………
14. How often is the waste container emptied? { } Once a day { } Once in two days
{ } Once a week { } others………..
15. Where do you usually put away collected wastes? { } Public bin { } Waste van
{ } Drainages { } Road or Street side { } Open space { } others…
16. Are there any public bins near your house? { } Yes { } No
17. If there are public bins, how often are they emptied? { } Once a week { } Twice a
week { } Thrice a week { } Everyday { } others…….
18. How can you describe the state of the public bin near your house?
{ } Good state { } Rusting { } Not in good condition { } don‘t know
19. Do you think the waste disposal method is a problem in your neighbourhood?
{ } Yes { } No

Relationship between flooding and predominant waste disposal method

20. Have you ever experienced flooding in this your neighbourhood? { }Yes { } No
21. Period of flooding…. { } January-march { } April-June { } July-September
{ } October-December
22. Frequency of flooding in a month... { }1-3 { } 4-6 { } 7-10 { } more than 10
23. What is your opinion of the frequency of flood events in your neighbourhood in the last
five years? { } Increasing { } Decreasing { } No change { } Varies
{ } Don‘t know
24. How do you perceive the rate of flooding in the area…. { } Very high { } High
{ }Normal { } Low { } Very low

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25. What factors contribute to flooding in your area?
i. Heavy rainfall
ii. Building in flood plain
iii. Dumping refuse
iv. River overflow
v. Inadequate drainages
vi. Others (Specify):

26. Rank the contribution of each of these factors to flooding in your area.
Factors Very high High Normal Low Very low
Inadequate drainages
Heavy rainfall
Dumping refuse in drainages
River overflow
Building in flood plain

27. What effects of flooding in the area have you or others experienced? { } loss of
properties { } restriction of movement { } displacement of people { } others……
28. Do you think there is enough information available about the environmental impacts of
waste disposal practices in your area? { } Yes { } No
29. Overall, how would you rate the quality of the environment in Somolu as compared to the
environment you had 5 years ago? { } Much better { } A little better { } The same
{ } A little worse { } Much worse

72