Author(s)

M. S. Awopetu, A. O. Coker, R. G. Awopetu, S. O. Awopetu, A. A. Ajonye & O. W. Awopetu

Abstract

This study focused on residents’ knowledge of solid waste reduction, reuse and recycling (3Rs) as sustainable solid waste management (SSWM) options in Makurdi metropolis, a rapidly growing urban city in the North central (middle belt region) of Nigeria. The area surveyed covered low (zone I), medium (zone II) and high- density (zone III). Data used for this study were collected by the use of literature search, administration questionnaire (n=560), formal and informal interviews, and observational checklists. Analyses of the data revealed that > 72% of the respondents in the three environmental zones are aware of the fact that solid waste can be reused, reduced and recycled. The trouble is, merely knowing something is not, by itself, sufficient to generate beneficial outcomes. There is a need for the residents to be educated or informed on how solid waste can be reused and reduced from source. The Government needs to put uninterrupted electricity supply in place as a basic ingredient for small medium and large scale industry. The market for recyclable products should also be strengthened. Keywords: solid waste management, waste minimization, reduction, reuse, recycling, practices, Nigeria.

Keywords

solid waste management, waste minimization, reduction, reuse, recycling, practices, Nigeria.