EXPLAINING THE RE-USE AND RECYCLING METHODS OF WASTE RESOURCES IN URBAN ZARIA.

Bako, A.G., Yusuf, O.R. and Oladipo, E.O.

Solid waste resource re-use and recycling occur in patterns that can be empirically investigated but which have not been conducted in Zaria. The objectives of this paper are to: determine the sources and destinations of recyclable municipal solid waste; analyse the spatial distribution of collection points, and analyse the spatial distribution of artisanal recyclers in the study area. A total of 252 scrap metal/plastic collectors, scavengers and artisanal recyclers’ were studied using purposive and snowball sampling techniques and descriptive statistics was used for the analysis. The results showed that in Samaru artisanal recyclers, scrap metal and plastic bottle collectors About 71.8% of waste collectors collect from multiple sources compared to single sourcing of usable materials while only 7 % of the respondents usually partake in recycling activities. From the survey about 73.4% of the respondents collect assorted plastics for either sale to people involved in re-use or from both within and outside Zaria. As high as 83.7% dispose their materials within Zaria, about 11.1%, 4.0%, and 1.2% of major dealers of scrap metals and assorted plastic collectors convey such goods to Lagos and Kano. It is concluded that solid waste resource re-use and recycling activities from Zaria takes place within and outside the geographical boundaries of Zaria. In order to facilitate intra-spatial waste resource economy of scale, recycling plants should be established in Zaria.

Key words: Municipal solid waste, resource re-use/recycling, scavengers, artisanal recyclers.