Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Practices and Collection Efficiency in Ibadan North, Oyo State

Solid waste management in Ibadan North Local Government Area, South West Nigeria, is characterised by irregular collection, open dumping, and inadequate infrastructure, contributing to public health and environmental hazards. This study evaluates current solid waste management practices, collection efficiency, and community perceptions in Ibadan North LGA. A descriptive survey methodology was adopted, involving 200 household questionnaires, assessment of 15 waste collection vehicles, and analysis of waste composition and generation data from three residential wards. Secondary data from the Oyo State Environmental Management Agency on collection routes and operational budgets were also reviewed. Results indicate that waste collection frequency averages 1.8 times per week against a recommended minimum of three times per week. Waste generation rates average 0.38 kg per capita per day. Organic matter constitutes 62 percent of collected waste by weight, indicating significant potential for composting. Only 43 percent of households are within the serviceable range of the current collection network. Vehicle downtime due to poor maintenance averages 34 percent per month. The study concludes that collection efficiency in Ibadan North is critically inadequate and recommends a community-based collection model using tricycle vehicles for dense residential areas, supplemented by centralised transfer stations to reduce compactor truck distance requirements.

Keywords: solid waste management, collection efficiency, urban sanitation, Ibadan, South West Nigeria