ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION IN KARU LGA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: the study assessed the effectiveness of municipal solid waste collection and transportation in Karu with a view to examining the processes of waste collection and transportation infrastructure as it affects the health and environment of residents.

Research Methodology: To achieve this aim mixed method approach of quantitative data from questionnaires provided statistical evidence about waste generation rates, collection and service satisfaction while qualitative information gathered through field observations, and conversations revealed the human dimensions the health concerns about nearby dumps.

Finding: The result showed that a significant number of residents enjoyed waste collection from their point of disposal. In addition, vehicles meant to manage the waste shows that tipper trucks made up the bulk of the fleet, while modern compactor vehicles far more efficient and hygienic collection services are not available.

Research Implications and Limitations: The limitations include the use of mostly open tipper trucks to transfer wastes to dumpsites. The contribution to knowledge is that this study established the need for more collection points and access roads especially in the interior areas were vehicles find it difficult to move.

Practical Implications: The study offered a practical insight into waste collection and management through urban collection and transportation and provided the need for improvement on the services for better service delivery.

Originality: the study demonstrated how adequate funding of the waste management activities could cater for waste management in the fringes by the local government of which the failure would result in continuous dumping of waste in open lands.