Solid waste management in Nairobi Metropolis

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and industrial development have been a dominant feature in population growth in Nairobi. The population in 1985 was 1.2 million and it is estimated that it will be 2.5 million in the year 2000 (Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS». Solid waste generated in Nairobi is increasing in quantity and variety as a result of increasing population, rising standard of living and development in technology. The proper management of solid waste in Nairobi has been neglected because of lack of technical and financial resources, and failure to appreciate the potential enviromental hazards resulting from poor solid waste management. This study was conducted to determine generation rates, waste composition, type of storage containers, collection equipment. disposal methods and the organisation set UP of the cleansing department of the Nairobi City Commission (NCC). The solid waste generated per day from domestic and commercial areas in Nairobi is about 1000 tonnes and is predominantly organic with a composition of 60 % food wastes, 20 % wdste paper and 20 % other various components. Indiscriminate dumping of waste materials has been noted and the official solid waste tip at Dandora is not operated according to any of the generally accepted principles and serious public health nuisances exist.