Nigeria generates more than 32 million tons of solid waste annually, out of which only 20-30% is collected.Reckless disposal of MSW has led to blockage of sewers and drainage networks, and choking of water bodies.
Most of the wastes is generated by households and in some cases, by local industries, artisans and traders which litters the immediate surroundings.
waste is wealth in some developed countries,but in Nigeria the reverse is the case
Nigeria, with population exceeding 180 million, is one of the largest producers of solid waste in Africa. Despite a host of policies and regulations, solid waste management in the country is assuming alarming proportions with each passing day
In Nigeria, like other developing countries, scavenging among youths begin with the collection of plastic bags, bottles, papers, cardboards and cans, and it mostly takes place in the informal sector. Scavengers provide informal collection, recovering additional materials at the curve, dumps and landfills.
Poorly managed waste spreads disease, contaminates water resources, increases the cost of potable water, increases flooding, pollutes the air, and repulses tourists. But municipalities have neither the money nor the skills to manage solid waste well.
The importance of recycling trash in modern days to saves the environment cannot be over emphasized due to the following reasons
1-Recycling isn’t just an issue for one country, it is a problem for the entire human race and therefore a worldwide problem.
If the human race carries on as it is, we will run out of places to bury the synthetic waste, or do the environment serious damage, as is happening with global warming.
2-Recycling is not just something that a handful of environmentalists should be involved with – it is something that everybody needs to be doing.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence that synthetic waste that isn’t recycled is causing serious problems with health, the weather, and the eco-system generally.
While it is true that just a few people recycling 50% of their waste wouldn’t make much difference, if the majority of people do it, then it can make a massive difference.
3-The more ordinary people who recycle, the stronger the message to the politicians and leaders that strong action is needed on a national and international level.
Ordinary people taking responsibility for their waste makes a political difference, as well as a practical one.
4-Recycling is generally speaking, free.
All it will cost you is a small amount of time, sorting your waste into the basic categories and washing out cans and bottles and maybe a minimal amount of fuel for the transport of your recycling boxes and bags to be recycled.
5-Trash pollutes the environment generally. It contaminates the sea and the soil, it can be hazardous for bird and animal life, and it undermines local eco-systems.
Recycling is the most responsible way in which trash can be dealt with.
African climate reporters therefore appealed to government at all level to find means of encouraging youth into creating new innovative which is aimed at building more industries for recycling waste
