Challenges of waste management in a Nigerian leper colony

Quantities and types of solid wastes generated at Ogbomosho leprosarium (Oyo State, Nigeria) have been investigated. Data collection, through waste sampling and analysis, interviews, questionnaire surveys and field observations, was conducted between August and November 2006. Results indicate a nota...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental studies 2008-04, Vol.65 (2), p.177-189
Main Authors: Coker, A.O., Adeshiyan, R.A., Oluremi, J.R., Sridhar, M.K., Coker, M.E., Booth, C.A., Khatib, J.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air. Soil. Water. Waste. Feeding
Applied sciences
Biological and medical sciences
Environment. Living conditions
Exact sciences and technology
Funding and investment
Institutional management
Leprosarium
Medical sciences
Medical waste
Other wastes and particular components of wastes
Pollution
Public health
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Wastes
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Summary:Quantities and types of solid wastes generated at Ogbomosho leprosarium (Oyo State, Nigeria) have been investigated. Data collection, through waste sampling and analysis, interviews, questionnaire surveys and field observations, was conducted between August and November 2006. Results indicate a notably low mean waste generation rate of 241.5 g/h/d, which included bandages, paper, food waste, animal waste, wood ash, yard trimmings, amongst others. There is no national policy on waste handling. Domestic waste is mixed with biomedical waste without sorting. Moreover, waste-handlers deal with waste materials by hand and without protective clothing or gloves, which needlessly exposes them to greater health risks. Similarly, primitive hygiene facilities (e.g. pit latrines, plus inadequate and intermittent water supplies) constitute a health risk to patients, staff and visitors. Recommendations include i) provision of separate waste receptacles at generation points to facilitate proper sorting and segregation; ii) adequate training and protective clothing for waste handlers; and iii) national and international action for leprosy patients housed in these 'out of sight, out of mind' communes.
ISSN:0020-7233
1029-0400
DOI:10.1080/00207230701831202