Appraisal Of The Role of Informal and The Formal Sectors In Urban Solid Waste Material Resource Recovery Activities

摘要

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the existence and role of the informal private sector, known as scavengers, in material recovery activities in selected dumps in and around Lagos metropolis. Three dumpsites were investigated where, on average, more than 1,932 tonnes of mixed wastes are received on a daily basis. The mixed wastes consisted of material from domestic, municipal and industrial origins. Material recovery activities were mostly undertaken by the informal private sector, the involvement of the formal sector to a very large extent, is unknown. Even though there is a noted upsurge in material recovery activities in the state, the process itself is yet to be accepted as an integral part of urban solid waste management practices. The system as operated currently, lacks government support and approval compared with what is obtainable in developed economies. Institutional competence and capacity, in such economies have been developed to integrate local and regional waste management plans in urban government. Results show that waste pickers are poverty driven rather than interested in waste management services. This drive is consequent upon the dwindling national economic fortunes faced with inflation and high unemployment rates. Material resource recovery and waste trading therefore become major means of livelihood to unemployed school leavers and the poor in the society. Market pricing of recovered materials is underdeveloped and highly fluctuating. Two tiers of trading were noted; direct buying within dumps or outside, but in the neighborhood. Despite fluctuations in market pricing, large markets still existed for used goods and products from recyclable materials. The paper advocates the recognition and development of material resource recovery and recycling activities as an integral part of a holistic urban solid waste management strategy for the metropolitan Lagos.