WASTE MANAGEMENT

The growing concern over ineffective waste management in rapidly urbanizing areas has continued to threaten environmental sustainability, public health, and urban aesthetics— particularly in developing nations such as Nigeria. Conventional waste collection methods, which rely on manual inspections, static collection schedules, and minimal automation, are increasingly inadequate for modern cities. These traditional systems often result in overflowing waste bins, unhygienic surroundings, and increased exposure of sanitation workers to hazardous waste. To mitigate these challenges, the adoption of smart waste management systems has become a practical solution, harnessing Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance operational efficiency, reduce health risks, and support global sustainability goals. This project presents the design and development of an improved smart dustbin system, which integrates sensors, automation, and wireless communication for efficient and hygienic waste collection. The system was engineered to address major limitations of existing smart waste bin models—such as lack of automation, low adaptability to environmental conditions, and poor sustainability—by introducing enhanced features that improve functionality, reliability, and user safety. The prototype incorporates ultrasonic sensors for detecting the fill level and load cell sensors for measuring the weight of accumulated waste. These sensors interface with an Arduino microcontroller, which interprets real-time data and initiates corresponding control actions. A key innovation in this design is the dual alert and communication mechanism, facilitated by a GSM module (SIM900D) that transmits SMS notifications and also initiates automated phone calls to designated waste management personnel once the bin reaches its full capacity. In addition, the system integrates a GPS module that tracks the exact location of the bin, simplifying collection logistics and enabling efficient route planning. To further enhance automation, the system features a linear actuator that performs self-compaction, reducing the waste volume and increasing the storage capacity before the next collection. Importantly, once the waste bin reaches its maximum threshold, the lid is automatically locked, preventing further deposit of waste and ensuring cleanliness until the bin is emptied and reset for operation. This mechanism helps prevent overflow and reduces contact with potentially contaminated waste. The system is powered by a 24W rechargeable lithium battery supported by a DC–DC converter, ensuring stable power supply and efficient energy usage. The software component was developed using Embedded C/C++ on the Arduino IDE, enabling real-time sensor monitoring, threshold detection, and GSM/GPS communication control. Comprehensive testing was carried out to evaluate sensor accuracy, power efficiency, communication reliability, and the responsiveness of the compaction and locking mechanisms. Results from both hardware and software testing confirmed that the system achieved reliable waste level detection, efficient data transmission, timely alert notifications, and effective compaction cycles. The automatic locking feature also performed accurately, preventing waste input once the bin reached capacity. By combining IoT technology, automation, and sustainable material selection, the improved smart dustbin system demonstrates a viable, scalable, and eco-friendly approach to modern waste management. Its ability to autonomously monitor fill levels, compress waste, lock when full, and communicate through both SMS and phone calls significantly enhances efficiency, hygiene, and sustainability. This prototype provides a foundation for large-scale implementation in residential, institutional, commercial, and municipal environments, contributing to cleaner cities and smarter waste management systems that align with sustainable development goals.

The main purpose of this study is to find out factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some selected secondary schools in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area. The study reviewed related literature on the factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some selected secondary schools. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire. The instrument was administered to 150 students randomly selected from the 3 selected secondary school and a measure of central tendency and variability was used to analyze the respondents’; responses. The findings of the study revealed that: irregular payment of salaries to cleaners, improper disposal of waste, inadequate handwashing and improper cleaning of the school environment are some of the factors contributing to poor sanitary conditions in some schools. The following recommendations are made based on the findings of the study: schools administrators should ensure that those in charge of cleaning the school environment are adequately monitored. Government should ensure regular payment of cleaners salaries and schools should not be sited in bushy areas as this can become a breeding place for mosquitoes which can be detrimental to the health of the students

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of waste management on the health of the people of Ekosodin community Benin City Edo state. It focused on the present condition of waste management. Twenty-four (24) research question were formulated survey research design was used; The questionnaire was adopted as instrument for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was gotten using the persons product moment correlation and a coefficient of 0.82 was obtained. In the data collection and analysis it was discovered that most respondents are aware of waste management practices, they are also aware of the various health implications of improper waste management. Waste segregation practices should be encourage at the point where
source of waste are being generated, because segregation of waste will contribute to better management of the total waste mass.