Pages: (9-20 )
Abstract
Solid waste generation and characterization is the first step in the establishment of sustainable solid
waste management system. The characterization of solid wastes generated in Babcock University,
Ilishan Remo, Ogun State and the trend had not been known. Thus, this study was carried out to
determine the quantum of waste generated per sector, using ASTM D5231-9 guidelines and mean
weights estimation. The major wastes generated at Babcock University were paper materials, sanitary,
e-waste, polythene bags, plastic bottles, plastics, food/organic, dry leaves, empty water sachets,
polystyrene food boxes, aluminum cans, hand gloves, cotton wool, syringes, nose masks and bandages.
An average of 27,258.6 kg solid wastes was generated per day at Babcock University and the sector
that generated the highest wastes is the student residence (410kg) while the lowest was the academic
sector (110kg). The highest weighed waste items per day in various sectors were: administrative/
academic, being 44kg of paper, Student residence and staff residence – food/organics (165 kg and
51.00kg respectively), Commercial and Medical - plastics (66.00kg, 45.6kg respectively). The result
of the characterization was found to be influenced by the activities of each sector. The study recommended
that the major percentage of the waste being generated can be reduced, reused and recycled.
Keywords: Solid waste, Waste generation, Waste characterization.,