Household solid waste management strategies in a metropolitan community at Orile-Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

The study sampled 357 residents in three communities in Orile-Agege for comprehensive data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used which assessed waste storage practices, disposal methods, concerns regarding solid wastes, and willingness to participate in waste separation and composting. Predominant among generated wastes in the community are plastics and food wastes. Wastes are preferably stored in plastic bags (53.5%) than in closed bins (15.4%). Waste disposal methods were by registered private service providers using trucks (60.1%), dumping in canals (2.8%), drying and burning (3.4%), informal composting (1.4%) while 2% is segregated for recyclable components. Majority of respondents (61.6%) exhibited ignorance of the effect of waste generation on natural resources depletion, but 81.1% and 72.8% were willing to try separation and composting respectively after explanation. Some respondents (47.62%) still hold the wrong belief that waste management is the sole responsibility of government while 45.93% did not accept it as a priority.