Generation, characteristics and energy potential of solid municipal waste in Nigeria

The generation, characteristics and energy potential of municipal solid waste for power generation in Nigeria is presented in this paper. Nigeria generates 0.44-0.66 kg/capita/day of MSW with a waste density of 200-400 kg/m3 leading to large volumes of poorly managed waste. The direct burning of these wastes as a waste management option in the open air at elevated temperatures liberates heat energy, inert gases and ash which can be conveniently used for power generation and other applications. The net energy yield depends upon the density and composition of the waste; relative percentage of moisture and inert materials, size and shape of the constituents and design of the combustion system. MSW samples used in this study were obtained randomly from different dump sites in selected state capitals, at least one from each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria based on the spot sampling method of Corbit. An average calorific value of 17.23 MJ/kg with variable high water content of 20-49% was determined for MSW using a bomb calorimeter and on the basis of an incineration plant of capacity 1500 ton of MSW/day, 700kW/day of power can be generated.