Municipal solid waste collection and management strategies in Akure, South-Western Nigeria

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) has become the greatest problem facing many urban and semi-urban areas in Nigeria, although to varying degrees. This study suggests the various steps and approaches to combat the menace in Akure in the southwest zone of Nigeria. Such approaches include creation of special agencies for the collection, recycling and conversion of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to wealth. The recruitment of Sanitary Inspectors and Volunteer Youth Corps, awareness campaigns and collaboration with other government agencies have improved compliance with sanitary laws, thus helping in effective MSWM and making the city appear aesthetically pleasing and environmental friendly. There is need for MSWM cost sharing between the government and the people, strengthening of all enabling sanitary laws and adequate budgetary allocation for all concerned agencies, involvement of Private Sector Participation (PSP) and awareness campaigns to sustain the present level of MSWM efforts and increase the tempo to guard against future population increase.