Waste Treatment and Recycling in Nigeria

The problem of solid waste disposal has become one of the most serious environmental problems facing many cities in Nigeria. In recent years, there has been a phenomenal increase in the volume of wastes generated in the country due to a number of reasons like increasing population, growth rate, industrialization and economic growth. This process has become such a problem that refuse dumps were to be found at various unsightly locations within urban areas. The Ondo State Integrated Waste Recycling and Treatment Project, Akure started operation in December 2006 with the aim of minimising solid waste in Akure and its environs. Since its inception, OSIWRTP has recorded huge successes in transforming the waste generated in Akure to wealth. Such wastes are being generated from agricultural waste, nylon and plastic waste and foundry (metal) waste.