Authors : Isicheli Patrick; Oji Akuma; Obumneme O. Okwonna; Peter O. Muwarure; Godexalted I. Banigo

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/446kjs67

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2bxan9wy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26feb1181

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : To solve energy poverty and poor waste management in Nigeria, we must discover inventive methods to turn waste streams into valuable energy. By characterizing office block solid waste production patterns, physicochemical qualities, and calorific value, this research investigates its energy potential. The Port Harcourt NDDC Headquarters is the case study. The facility performed a four-week waste audit, collecting and weighing daily garbage from 50 containers. For laboratory testing, 200 kg of waste was collected every three months using stratified sampling. ASTM criteria were followed for proximal and ultimate research, and bomb calorimetry calculated the calorific value. Significant daily fluctuations (ANOVA: F = 892.87, p < 0.001) and projected mid-week peaks of 162.4 kg/day were observed, with a total weekly generation rate of 949.3 kg/week and an average daily rate of 135.6 kg/day. The physical composition research indicated that 83.7% of the stream was flammable, including 43.8% paper/cardboard, 26.4% organics, and 13.5% plastics. The final analysis indicated 46.4% carbon, 6.3% hydrogen, 0.9% nitrogen, and 0.3% sulphur, whereas proximate analysis on a dry basis showed 73.9% volatile matter, 20.0% fixed carbon, and 6.1% ash. The waste's high and low heating values of 18.92 and 16.34 MJ/kg and energy density of 12.19 GJ/ton as-received make it ideal for thermal conversion. These findings suggest that office solid waste may be employed as a WTE feedstock due to its regular production patterns, strong physicochemical qualities, and high energy. This may aid distributed energy solutions in Nigerian cities and circular economy concepts.

Keywords : Solid Waste; Sustainability; Characterization; Nigeria; Energy Potential; Waste Disposal.

References :

1. International Energy Agency (IEA), World energy outlook 2019. 2019. doi: 10.1787/caf32f3b-en.
2. International Energy Agency (IEA), World energy outlook 2017. 2017. doi: 10.1787/weo-2017-en.
3. A. Pariatamby and M. Tanaka, Municipal solid waste management in Asia and the Pacific Islands: Challenges and strategic solutions. Springer, 2014. doi: 10.1007/978-981-4451-73-4.
4. D. Hoornweg and P. Bhada-Tata, “What a waste: A global review of solid waste management,” Urban Development Series Knowledge Papers, vol. 15, World Bank, 2012. doi: 10.1596/28135.
5. World Bank, “Nigeria to expand access to clean energy for 17.5 million people,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/12/15/nigeria-to-expand-access-to-clean-energy-for-17-5-million-people.
6. World Bank, “Igniting economic growth by reforming Nigeria's power sector,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099061723133022449/p1762240038c17010bfb5087a5bcc325b5.
7. J. O. Babayemi and K. T. Dauda, “Evaluation of solid waste generation, categories and disposal options in developing countries: A case study of Nigeria,” Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 83–88, 2009. doi: 10.4314/jasem.v13i3.55370.
8. O. B. Ezeudu et al., “Sustainable production and consumption of paper and paper products in Nigeria: A review,” Resources, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 53, 2021. doi: 10.3390/resources8010053.
9. A. Amosu, A. O. Oluwajobi, and O. Olabode, “Assessment of the waste-to-energy potential of municipal solid waste from Port Harcourt City, Nigeria,” Journal of Environmental Science and Public Health, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 218–231, 2020. doi: 10.26502/jesph.96120092.
10. M. K. O. Ayomoh et al., “An approach to tackling the environmental and health impacts of municipal solid waste disposal in developing countries,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 207, pp. 380–390, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.11.004.
11. U. Arena, “Process and technological aspects of municipal solid waste gasification. A review,” Waste Management, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 625–639, 2012. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2011.09.025.
12. C. S. Psomopoulos, A. Bourka, and N. J. Themelis, “Waste-to-energy: A review of the status and benefits in USA,” Waste Management, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 1718–1724, 2009. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.11.020.
13. S. Y. Pan et al., “Strategies on implementation of waste-to-energy (WTE) supply chain for circular economy system: A review,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 108, pp. 409–421, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.06.124.
14. L. Lombardi, E. Carnevale, and A. Corti, “A review of technologies and performances of thermal treatment systems for energy recovery from waste,” Waste Management, vol. 37, pp. 26–44, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2014.11.010.
15. U. Arena, F. Ardolino, and F. Di Gregorio, “A life cycle assessment of environmental performances of two combustion- and gasification-based waste-to-energy technologies,” Waste Management, vol. 41, pp. 60–74, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.03.010.
16. J. Dong et al., “Key factors influencing the environmental performance of pyrolysis, gasification and incineration waste-to-energy technologies,” Energy Conversion and Management, vol. 166, pp. 437–448, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2018.04.058.
17. G. K. Singh, K. Gupta, and S. Chaudhary, “Solid waste management: Its sources, collection, transportation and recycling,” International Journal of Environmental Science and Development, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 347–351, 2017. doi: 10.7763/IJESD.2014.V5.507.
18. T. Edwiges et al., “Influence of chemical composition on biochemical methane potential of fruit and vegetable waste,” Waste Management, vol. 71, pp. 618–625, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.05.030.
19. M. U. Nwachukwu, “Solid waste generation and disposal in a Nigerian city: An empirical analysis in Onitsha Metropolis,” Journal of Environmental Management and Safety, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 180–191, 2010.
20. T. C. Ogwueleka, “Municipal solid waste characteristics and management in Nigeria,” Iranian Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 173–180, 2009.
21. O. O. Ayeleru, F. N. Okonta, and K. Ntushelo, “Municipal solid waste generation and characterization in the City of Johannesburg: A pathway for the implementation of zero waste,” Waste Management, vol. 79, pp. 87–97, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2018.07.026.
22. U. Bassey et al., “A comprehensive review of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria: Current practices, challenges and sustainable strategies,” Sustainability, vol. 16, no. 5, p. 1923, 2024. doi: 10.3390/su16051923.
23. D. N. Ogbonna, G. T. Amangabara, and T. O. Ekere, “Urban solid waste generation in Port Harcourt metropolis and its implications for waste management,” Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 71–88, 2007. doi: 10.1108/14777830710717730.
24. J. M. Ayotamuno and A. E. Gobo, “Municipal solid waste management in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Obstacles and prospects,” Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 389–398, 2004. doi: 10.1108/14777830410540135.
25. O. B. Ezeudu et al., “Sustainable production and consumption of paper and paper products in Nigeria: A review,” Resources, vol. 8, no. 1, p. 53, 2021. doi: 10.3390/resources8010053.
26. R. A. Ibikunle et al., “Estimation of power generation from municipal solid wastes: A case study of Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria,” Energy Reports, vol. 5, pp. 126–135, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2019.01.005.
27. T. O. Somorin, S. Adesola, and A. Kolawole, “State-level assessment of the waste-to-energy potential (via incineration) of municipal solid wastes in Nigeria,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 164, pp. 804–815, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.06.228.
28. A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe, T. R. Ayodele, and M. A. Alao, “Electricity generation from municipal solid waste in some selected cities of Nigeria: An assessment of feasibility, potential and technologies,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 80, pp. 149–162, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.170.
29. O. A. Nubi, C. N. Madu, and O. O. Afolabi, “Towards a circular economy: A review of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria,” Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, vol. 24, no. 3, pp. 853–869, 2022. doi: 10.1007/s10163-022-01385-3.
30. O. J. Olagunju, “Feasibility of waste-to-energy technologies for sustainable solid waste management in Lagos, Nigeria,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 350, p. 119612, 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119612.
31. A. Imam et al., “Solid waste management in Abuja, Nigeria,” Waste Management, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 468–472, 2008. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.01.006.
32. T. Getahun et al., “Municipal solid waste generation in growing cities in Africa: Current practices and relation to socioeconomic factors in Jimma, Ethiopia,” Habitat International, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 254–258, 2012. doi: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2011.08.005.
33. T. Tadesse, A. Ruijs, and F. Hagos, “Household waste disposal in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia,” Waste Management, vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 2003–2012, 2008. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.08.015.
34. M. Sharholy et al., “Municipal solid waste management in Indian cities—A review,” Waste Management, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 459–467, 2007. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2007.02.008.
35. A. Kumar and S. R. Samadder, “A review on technological options of waste to energy for effective management of municipal solid waste,” Waste Management, vol. 69, pp. 407–422, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.046.
36. O. Buenrostro, G. Bocco, and J. Vence, “Forecasting generation of urban solid waste in developing countries—A case study in Mexico,” Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 86–93, 2001. doi: 10.1080/10473289.2001.10464258.
37. C. Armijo de Vega, S. Ojeda-Benítez, and M. E. Ramírez-Barreto, “Solid waste characterization and recycling potential for a university campus,” Waste Management, vol. 28, pp. S21–S26, 2008. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2008.03.022.
38. P. Schneider et al., “Municipal solid waste management in developing countries: A perspective on Vietnam,” Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 1335–1347, 2017. doi: 10.30638/eemj.2017.140.
39. K. Chukwudi, I. Otaraku, and P. Muwarure, “Compositional Analysis and Hydrothermal Pretreatment Optimization of Garri Processing Waste for Enhanced Sugar Recovery,” IJSAT-International Journal on Science and Technology, vol. 16, no. 4, 2025.
40. S. J. Burnley, “A review of municipal solid waste composition in the United Kingdom,” Waste Management, vol. 27, no. 10, pp. 1274–1285, 2007. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2006.06.018.
41. G. J. Dennison, V. A. Dodd, and B. Whelan, “A socio-economic based survey of household waste characteristics in the city of Dublin, Ireland. I. Waste composition,” Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 227–244, 1996. doi: 10.1016/0921-3449(96)01100-2.
42. T. C. Ogwueleka, “Analysis of urban solid waste in Nsukka, Nigeria,” Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 239–246, 2003.
43. A. B. Nabegu, “Municipal solid waste management in Kano and implications for sustainable development,” Journal of Geography and Regional Planning, vol. 2, no. 8, pp. 198–203, 2009.
44. N. Scarlat et al., “Evaluation of energy potential of municipal solid waste from African urban areas,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 50, pp. 1269–1286, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.05.067.
45. J. Malinauskaite et al., “Reviewing the potential of waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies for sustainable energy development,” Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, vol. 2, p. 23, 2017. doi: 10.1051/rees/2017010.
46. T. R. Ayodele, A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe, and M. A. Alao, “Life cycle assessment of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies for electricity generation using municipal solid waste in Nigeria,” Applied Energy, vol. 201, pp. 200–218, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.097.
47. O. L. Rominiyi, B. A. Adaramola, and L. M. Adesina, “Proximate and ultimate analysis of municipal solid waste for energy generation,” ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 1–8, 2024.
48. T. F. Oyewusi, O. J. Oyebode, and V. O. Ogunro, “Characterization and energy potential of municipal solid waste in Osogbo metropolis,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 415, p. 137852, 2023. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137852.
49. C. Mukherjee et al., “A review on municipal solid waste-to-energy trends in the USA,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 119, p. 109512, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109512.
50. A. S. Bello, M. A. Al-Ghouti, and M. H. Abu-Dieyeh, “Sustainable and long-term management of municipal solid waste: A review,” Bioresource Technology Reports, vol. 18, p. 101067, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.biteb.2022.101067.