Theoretical Framework
Integrated waste management theory is a theory that explains the system of waste handling which entails separating waste materials according to type and finding the best use for discarded materials, which may or may not include depositing them in landfill. This theory goes further to explain the fact that an attempt must be made to either reuse, recycle or reduction first of all before considering any of the disposal method-incineration, landfilling e.t.c as an option. The role of waste management authorities is to find alternative destinations for atleast half of the waste generated.
Agenda 21 (UNEP, 1992) defines solid waste as all domestic refuse and non-hazardous wastes such as commercial and institutional wastes, street sweepings and construction debris. In some countries, the solid wastes management system also handles human wastes such as night-soil, ashes from incinerators, septic tank sludge and sludge from sewage treatment plants. If these wastes manifest hazardous characteristics they should be treated as hazardous wastes.
Awareness of our environmental problems has led to the development of new technologies to minimize the environmental impacts associated with solid waste. It has shifted the main concern of the waste management from disposal to waste prevention, minimization and recycling. Nowadays waste management involves considering an interrelated series of options aiming at waste source reduction, recycling, treatment and finally disposal. If properly managed, Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) can ensure the efficient management of waste through re-use, recycling or recovery (Bazzani, 1998).
Secondly, Agenda 21 (UNEP, 1992) proposes the use of the integrated life cycle management concept, which presents a unique opportunity to reconcile development with environmental protection. The objectives of such a framework would focus on the four major waste related programme areas: minimizing wastes; maximizing environmentally sound waste reuse and recycling; promoting environmentally sound waste disposal and treatment; and extending waste service coverage.
The four programme areas are interrelated and mutually supportive and must therefore be integrated in order to provide a comprehensive and environmentally responsive framework for managing municipal solid wastes. The mix and emphasis given to each of the four programme areas will vary according to the local socio-economic and physical conditions, rates of waste generation and waste composition. All sectors of society should participate in all the programme areas. Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) systems thus combine: waste streams, waste collection, and waste treatment and disposal methods; with the objective of achieving environmental benefits, economic optimisation and societal acceptability (Bortoleto: 2007).
In the words of Boll (2006) the “waste hierarchy‘, which was effectively promoted internationally at conferences such as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and Habitat II is now accepted as a universal guideline in national policy making for solid waste management. This hierarchy is based on environmental maxims and upholds the fundamental principle – prevention is better than cure‘. Prevention of waste generation is the most preferred option for solid waste management. Further down the hierarchy, reuse and recycling of waste according to its respective characteristics is preferred to disposal in landfill sites, dumping or open burning.
The modern concept of integrated solid waste management is very complex comprising of not only the environmental aspects of the waste hierarchy or the technical aspects of the conventional approach, but also incorporating economic, legal, institutional, political, and cultural as well as social issues. Environmental protection and economic feasibility of the system are the first priorities of this approach. The implementation of the modern concept demands effective institutional arrangements.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The conceptual framework is informed by the integrated solid waste management system that promotes reduction, recycling and reuse of solid waste at all levels of waste management hierarchy i.e from when waste is generated until its disposal.
There are many sources of solid waste: households, industries, institutions and other sources. For the purposes of this study, the researcher concentrated on the solid waste that is generated at the household level in Awka. The study sought to establish constituents of solid waste generated by the Awka residents, manage the solid waste generated at their households. The study assessed whether the residents practiced the 3Rs in order to minimize the waste generated as well as benefit through recycling and reusing solid waste.
The following flow diagram demonstrates the conceptual framework that informed the study carried out at Makina informal settlement. The waste management hierarchy is a nationally and internationally accepted guide for prioritizing waste management practices with the objective of achieving the optimal environmental outcome. It sets out the preferred order of waste management practices from the most preferred to least preferred (Zero waste: 2008). The solid waste generated at the household level can be minimized, reused and/ or recycled. These are the top most preferred ways of managing wastes whereas incinerating, land filling, open burning and open dumping are least preferred in handling of solid waste. 10