PERCEPTIONS AND ASSESSEMENTS OF HOUSEHOLDS IN PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM BAUCHI, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper evaluated the perceptions and assessments of households in planning for sustainable solid waste management in Bauchi, Nigeria. The perceptions of the householders were assessed on households need for transfer stations in their neighbourhoods. The findings showed that 64.5% of the respondents indicated their willingness to have it in their neighbourhoods. On the official responsibility and quality of waste collection, 75% of the respondents held the municipality responsible for solid waste management services. The findings further showed that 82% of the respondents attested that poor health was their major problem and 60% preferred to bring their waste to transfer station for disposal outweighing those that wish to pay for waste evacuation in their neighborhood. These outcomes identify issues and factors to consider when making policy decisions on building and placing a transfer station, planning and designing it, selecting a site, and involving the community. The study concluded that despite the absence of efficient waste collection in most sub-wards and the existence of registered waste contractors in some studied sub-wards most respondents preferred to dispose their waste in the transfer station rather than to pay for waste collection services or consider the nuisance attributed to the transfer stations. It was recommended that, there is the need to know the perceptions and opinions of other stakeholders rendering waste services to the households in the study area so as to create a balance between those served (householders) and those rendering the services (waste contractors). This would assist policy makers in making laws that may create harmony between the major stakeholders and create room for proper implementation of future plans and policies on solid waste management in the study area.