Effects of Municipal Waste Management on Human Health and Environment: Lagos State as a Case Study (original) (raw)

ABSTRACT: Waste management is the process of treating solid wastes and offers variety of solutions for recycling items that don’t belong to trash. It is about how garbage can be used as a valuable resource. Waste management is something that each and every household and business owner in the world needs. Waste management disposes of the products and substances that you have use in a safe and efficient manner.This study exposes the correlation between efficient waste management system, human health and quality of the general environment. Waste management implies dealing with waste in an environmentally responsible way from its generation until it is finally disposed of. It requires everyone to be responsible by prioritising waste minimisation, treatment and recycling and then its final disposal. By so doing, both human life and the entire environment is preserved. This paper reviews the impact of waste management on water, soil, air quality, the environment and human health. The various method of handling and disposal of wastes was carefully reviewed against the standard practices with a focus on Lagos Metropolis. Poor waste management practice in five major dumping sites in Lagos and the dangerous health challenges and the environmental concerns were raised. The best waste management practice was recommended. Key words: Dumping site, Environmental, Human health, Landfill, Wastes disposal,