Geo-Spatial Distribution and Utilization of Waste Disposal Facilities in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation in developing countries has intensified challenges of waste management and environmental sanitation. This study investigates the geo-spatial distribution and utilization of waste disposal facilities in Ilorin, Nigeria. The objectives were to identify household disposal methods, examine the distribution of government facilities, assess utilization levels, and explore factors influencing non-use. Data were drawn from 400 residents through questionnaire, Records of waste disposal facilities were obtained from the Kwara State Ministry of Environment, population data were obtained from the National Population Commission (NPC), while administrative maps were sourced from the Office of the Surveyor-General, Ilorin, Kwara State. Analytical methods employed included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and GIS techniques including buffering and nearest neighbor analysis. The findings reveal that private waste collection services dominate, used by 75.3% of households due to convenience. Proximity emerged as a major barrier, with 45% of respondents citing distance from Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) Roll-in Roll Out (RORO) bins as a reason for non-utilization. Spatial analysis showed that government facilities are concentrated in only 12 of 20 wards, leaving significant gaps in coverage. The Nearest Neighbour Analysis confirmed a dispersed distribution pattern, while buffer analysis indicated that only 11 wards fall within a two-kilometer service radius. Regression analysis demonstrated that proximity accounts for about 50.9% of variance in facility utilization. Overall, the study highlights inequitable access to public disposal infrastructure, which limits utilization and fosters reliance on private or informal methods. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that extending facilities to the nine underserved wards to promote equitable access, strengthen waste management, and support sustainable urban development in Ilorin metropolis.