Solid waste generation and storage practice in selected banks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Studies on solid waste management in commercial areas especially banks in most towns or cities of developing countries is scanty in literature. As part of the commercial area of a city, information on the quantity and composition of solid waste (SW) generation and storage practice in banks is of utmost importance, if the vision of creating sustainable cities would be achieved. Objectives: The study assessed solid waste generation and storage practice in the selected banks in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State. Methods: Data for the study were obtained through the measurement of SW components generated. Questionnaire was administered to the cleaners in charge of SW. Information obtained were: quantity and composition of SW generated, storage practice and socio-economic characteristics of the cleaners. Systematic sampling was used to select 11 banks out of 23 banks in the selected local governments. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study showed that the total quantity of SW generated by the banks was 336.4 kg per week. The quantity was produced by 2,318 people. The highest quantity (14.5%) of SW was produced in the Guaranttee Trust bank. The least quantity (24.27 kg) was generated in the Sterling bank. The proportion (22.8%) of SW generated on Monday was the highest, while the least (16.7%) was recorded on Wednesday. The highest waste per capita was obtained in the Polaris bank (0.034 kg). The least (0.014 kg) was estimated in the First bank. Metal/plastic drum was commonly used as a storage receptacle in most (54.5%) of the banks. Conclusions: It was concluded that banks located close to the heart of the central business district generated more waste. Keywords: Waste per capita; solid waste; waste generation; storage receptacle in bank