Abstract

The disposal of solid wastes to land is the ultimate end-point for any waste management system. However, waste landfills should be set up and operated properly in order to minimise the risks posed to health and the environment. This review provides an insight into landfill operations and management in Lagos, Nigeria. Secondary data and in-situ observations at the landfill sites were used. Results show that landfills within Lagos metropolis are uncontrolled and do not conform to international standards of similar operations elsewhere in the world. This non-compliance result into a proliferation of insects and rodents which allows blowing of litter that causes bad odour and general environmental degradation. These negative impacts can only be minimized by pragmatic design and proper management of landfills within urban and peri-urban areas.

Key words: Waste management, landfills, leachates, environmental degradation, urban areas.