ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE GENERATION IN SANGERE SETTLEMNT OF GIREI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the nature, quantity, and management practices of household solid waste generation in Sangere settlement, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify the major types of waste generated, determine the rate of waste production, examine the methods of disposal adopted by households, and assess residents’ awareness, attitudes, and challenges toward effective waste management. Data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to ninety-nine (99) randomly selected household respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including frequency counts and percentages, and presented in tables supported by interpretative discussion. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were within the economically active age group and had attained at least secondary education, indicating a reasonable level of awareness regarding environmental sanitation. The study showed that food/kitchen waste (36.4%) and plastic/nylon materials (25.3%) constituted the dominant waste types in the area. Most households generated medium quantities of waste (10–19 liters) daily, with over half (52.5%) reporting daily waste generation. Open dumping (34.3%) and burning (28.3%) were the most common disposal methods, while only a few households (20.2%) had access to organized waste collection services. The major challenges identified included inadequate waste collection facilities, irregular disposal services, poor environmental awareness, and limited government involvement. Despite these challenges, a majority of respondents expressed willingness to participate in community-based waste management programs and to pay a token for improved collection services. The study concludes that solid waste management in Sangere settlement is largely informal and environmentally unsustainable, dominated by open dumping and burning. It recommends the provision of adequate waste infrastructure, regular and efficient waste collection services, community sensitization, enforcement of sanitation regulations, and promotion of recycling and composting initiatives. Implementing these measures will enhance environmental cleanliness, safeguard public health, and promote sustainable waste management in Sangere and similar peri-urban communities