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