Evaluation of Solid Waste Management Practices in Enugu Urban, South East Nigeria

Rapid urbanization in Nigerian cities has intensified pressure on municipal solid waste management systems. This descriptive study evaluated the solid waste management practices in Enugu Urban, South East Nigeria, focusing on generation rates, collection efficiency, disposal methods, and community participation. Data were gathered through household surveys administered to 280 respondents, key informant interviews with Enugu State Waste Management Authority officials, and direct field observation of waste collection routes and disposal sites. Household waste characterization was carried out at ten purposively selected clusters across three senatorial districts. Results showed that per capita waste generation averaged 0.52 kg per day, with organic matter constituting approximately sixty percent of total waste composition. Collection coverage was found to reach only fifty-three percent of households, with underserved communities in peri-urban zones experiencing acute waste accumulation. Open dumping and roadside burning were the predominant disposal methods among uncollected households. Community-level participation in waste sorting and recycling initiatives was negligible, largely attributed to absent public awareness programs. Seasonal variations significantly affected collection logistics, particularly during rainy seasons. The study recommends that the waste management authority invest in additional collection vehicles, engage community-based organizations in waste management, and establish functional transfer stations to improve operational efficiency. Keywords: solid waste management, Enugu, collection efficiency, open dumping, urbanization.