Seasonal quantification and characterization of solid waste generation in tertiary institution: a case study

This research investigates the types and quantity of different components of solid waste produced at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (OAU) Nigeria, with the intention of determining the effect of seasons of the year on its generation. Data was obtained through quantification of different categories of waste classified into nine major components. Waste generated in a week of every month of the year was measured. The study showed that average solid waste generate per person per day at OAU is 0.042 kg which aggregates to 2.98 tons daily based on estimated population. Market area produced the highest quantity of 23.6% of the total, 20.1% was generated in the students’ residential area making it second in rank. The least (2.1%) was generated in the religious activity area. Food waste contributes the highest quantity of 0.013 kg/person/day, totaling 923 kg daily. Nylon rate of generation is 0.008 kg/person/day. Plastic and leaf generation are 0.006 kg/person/day each. Biodegradable stream accounts for 38.6% of solid the aggregate, while recyclable materials contribute 52.7%. The study established that changes in the seasons of the year had no significant influence on the characterisation of waste generated in the study area.