EVALUATION OF SAFETY CHALLENGES AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS IN WASTE TO ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the safety challenges and environmental benefits of waste to energy (WTE) technologies in Lagos, Nigeria aimed at; identifying the specific Waste-to-Energy technologies currently implemented in Lagos, Nigeria. Identifying the main safety challenges connected to the implementation of Waste-to-Energy technologies in Lagos, Nigeria and Investigating the environmental benefits in operating Waste-to-Energy technologies in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross-sectional research design technique was used while questionnaire was used for data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample 384 respondents from the waste-to-energy firms in Lagos. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (Percentage, Mean and standard deviations). The results of descriptive analysis showed that Incineration and anaerobic digestion system with mean values of 0.60 and 0.54 respectively were the only two Waste-to-Energy technologies implemented in Lagos. Weak regulation oversights, exposure to toxic emissions and inadequate staff training on safety are three topmost safety challenges facing waste-to-energy system in Lagos, (mean scores 0.59, 0.58 and 0.56 respectively) while Reduction in landfill overflow, Reduction in illegal and open dumping of waste, cleaner environment and Cleaner energy production are benefits of waste-to-energy system (mean score of 0.64, 0.64, 0.63 and 0.63 respectively).). it was concluded that WTE system is a double-benefit system because it provides energy as well as reduces environmental pollution from waste. It was recommended that other states in Nigerian should adopt WTE systems.