Waste management; a panacea for unemployment and environmental sustainability in developing countries

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the quantity and generation rate of solid wastes in developing countries. The result of this review showed an increase at an alarming rate in the quantity and generational rate of solid wastes in these countries over the years with a lack of efficient and modern technology for the management of these wastes. The generation rate and collection and disposal of solid wastes are functions of several factors which if well-considered and appropriated could bring the desired solution to the waste management problems. As concerns grow over climate global warming and other ecological hazards, regulations and environmentalists around the world have intensified their clamp down on irresponsible waste disposal practices. Credit to the ever-improving waste management technologies and innovations because virtually everything is now recyclable – cell phones, computers, plastics, organic wastes, nylon, glass, food waste, furniture, vehicles, green waste, paper, water, wood, metal, clothing, jewelry, among others. Thus this review is aimed at articulating the potent argument why developing countries like Nigeria and Ghana should leverage the vast opportunities that abound in waste management such as recycling which presents great opportunities not just to manage our environment but also to create wealth for the teeming population of unemployed youths and at the same time promoting environmental sustainability.