World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Project (NARP) - University of Port Harcourt
Abstract
Wastes along the Port Harcourt axis of East \u2013West Road from Choba
Bridge to Rumukwurushi tank were studied. This study was based on the
characterization of wastes and its recycling potentials. Eight
different waste receptacles were studied. Wastes in these receptacles
were characterized and their recycling potentials evaluated.
Predominant wastes at each receptacle were identified through direct
waste sorting and characterization. Waste scavengers were interviewed
to appreciate the trend of waste sorting and characterization in Port
Harcourt. Common waste discovered at the receptacles were cartons,
papers , animals bones, plastics , aluminium plates, nylon bags,
ceramic materials, vegetable stems, hospital wastes, old and damaged
electronics, old computers, photocopying machines etc. The wastes in
the area could be grouped into municipal wastes and they express the
type of activities carried out within the study area. Recycling
potentials of the characterized wastes were identified and the likely
benefits of waste recycling emphasized. It was observed that: plastics
could be recycled into fleece jacket; aluminium cans could be shredded,
ground and melted to form another aluminium sheet. Bottles, glass and
ceramics were observed to be recycleable into their original products.
Vegetable stems and garbage could be used to produce compost and animal
bones crushed and used to produce vim. Other combustible materials
could be used as fuel. Awareness on recycling should generally be
encouraged in society. @JASE