Solid Waste Estimation Per Capita in Equity Girls Hostel Blocks, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria

Characterization and quantification of solid waste in Equity girls hostel blocks, Igbinedion University Okada was carried out to provide data for waste management strategy in the University. The waste survey was done for ۳ months by collecting generated wastes from various rooms on a daily basis excluding Sundays. The collected wastes were segregated and sorted into their various constituents and weighed using an automatic weighing scale. Waste per capita per head was also determined by estimating the total number of students/population in the study area. Identified wastes constituents were plastics, paper, glass, bottles, organic wastes, etc.  The total amount of waste recorded was ۱۶۰۵.۶۵kg for ۳ months. Organic wastes recorded the highest amount of wastes generated with a total of ۳۰۴.۵۴۲kg (۱۹%) followed by glass/bottles recorded as ۲۵۰.۹۹۳kg (۱۶%).  Waste per capita per day was estimated as ۰.۰۴۵kg. From the wastes stream, some wastes were identified as reusable and recyclable which can generate income for the university when properly handled and it will indirectly aid in decreasing the volume and amount of wastes to be disposed.  Organic wastes have been identified to constitute the highest amount of waste in the waste stream. These organic wastes are degradable and  can be utilized for  crop production and agricultural purposes which invariably contribute to waste stream reduction. Adopting efficient waste mangement strategy will create wealth, reduce pollution and demand on raw materials, and provide a greener environment. 

Keywords:

Waste Conversion , Waste Estimation , Waste Generation , Waste Management , Waste Minimization , Waste Quantity