Analysis of Seasonal Variation in Market Waste Generation in Oyo Town, Oyo State

Market waste constitutes a major component of urban solid waste streams in Nigerian towns, yet seasonal variation in generation rates is rarely systematically documented to inform waste management planning. This study analyses seasonal patterns in market waste generation in Oyo Town's three principal markets, examining volume, composition, and spatial accumulation patterns across wet and dry seasons. Waste audits were conducted weekly over a 24-week period encompassing both seasons, measuring generation volumes by waste category including food organics, packaging, textile offcuts, and mixed residuals at each market. Structured interviews with 100 market traders and 10 waste management officials captured knowledge of waste trends, disposal practices, and institutional capacity assessments. Rainfall data from the Oyo State Meteorological Station were correlated with weekly waste generation volumes. Findings indicate that total daily waste generation across the three markets averages 8.4 tonnes during wet season market days and 6.1 tonnes during dry season equivalents, with organic food waste constituting 62 percent of all generated waste. The elevated wet-season volumes reflect increased perishable produce sales and higher spoilage rates under humid conditions. Waste collection frequency by Oyo State Waste Management Authority does not adjust to seasonal volume increases, resulting in overflow and open decomposition during peak generation periods. Recommendations include seasonal waste collection scheduling adjustments, installation of organic waste composting systems at market sites, and trader education on waste minimisation at source. Keywords: market waste, seasonal variation, waste generation, Oyo Town, solid waste management.