HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN RANTYA, JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigates household solid waste management practices in Rantiya, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the increasing waste generation resulting from rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure, which has led to widespread open dumping, burning, and poor sanitary conditions. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 359 households, complemented by interviews with key stakeholders and field observations. Findings revealed that waste generated is largely composed of glass, textiles, paper, plastics, metals, e-waste, and food scraps, with open dumping (56.5%) and burning (43.7%) being the dominant disposal methods. While 54.3% of households practice waste separation, sustainable methods such as recycling (25.1%) and composting (28.1%) remain limited. Key challenges identified include high costs, lack of bins, irregular collection, inadequate facilities, and low public awareness. The study concludes that household solid waste management in Rantiya is hindered by infrastructural, economic, and behavioral factors. It recommends community-based education, provision of affordable waste facilities, strengthened policy enforcement, and integration of informal waste collectors into formal systems as practical strategies for improvement. These findings provide insights for policymakers, environmental agencies, and local authorities toward developing sustainable waste management frameworks tailored to Nigeria’s urban-rural contexts.