AN EVALUATION OF MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Waste creation and management are inherent aspects of industrialization. Urbanization is intricately linked to both economic development and the subsequent technological advancements that arise from it (Odunola, Jelili, Adejumobi, & Asani, 2019). Industrial cities in Nigeria often generate a wide range of garbage that is scattered across the environment. Some of these pollutants are recognized to be hazardous, while the effects of others on human health and the ecosystem are yet unknown. According to Maczulak (2020), before to the implementation of state and federal regulations in the late 1970s, industrial waste was commonly disposed of in landfills or held in surface impoundments like lagoons or pits. These waste materials were often dumped into surface water without undergoing proper treatment, or they were incinerated. The mismanagement of trash has led to the contamination of groundwater, streams, lakes, and rivers, as well as the destruction of natural vegetation (Dangbin, 2018). The monitoring and supervision of industrial waste disposal into the environment is inadequate, and there is also mismanagement.

Waste refers to materials that are not primary products, meaning they are not generated specifically for the market. These materials no longer serve any use for the generator in terms of production, transformation, or consumption, and are therefore disposed of. Waste might exist in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Waste refers to any discarded or unwanted material, such as waste, junk, or trash. Certain types of garbage exhibit a prolonged decomposition period, while others do not disintegrate at all. However, these non-decomposable wastes can be repurposed to mitigate their detrimental impact on the environment. According to Meis (2019), around 40% of the waste contained in landfills originates from various industries. The effective handling of industrial waste has posed a significant challenge for many emerging nations, such as Cameroon.

The drive for excellence among manufacturers has significantly contributed to the proliferation of trash in the industrial sector. Industrial wastes refer to the waste materials generated in the form of solids, liquids, gases, and airborne particulate matter that are released into the environment (Maczulak, 2020). In their study, Awuchi and Igwe (2018) provided a clear definition of industrial waste as the byproduct of industrial activity, encompassing any material that becomes unusable in the course of manufacturing. Proper management of industrial waste requires the use of healthy waste management methods such as incineration, sanitary landfill, composting, source reduction, reuse, and recycling (Conserve Energy Future [CEF], 2017). According to Meis (2019), inadequate management of industrial waste significantly impacts the health of both industrial workers and individuals residing or conducting business in proximity to the industries. Working in industries can lead to various health issues, including elevated blood pressure due to the noise generated by heavy machinery, psychological distress, and diseases related to poor water and sanitation practices such as dysentery, cholera, and diarrhea caused by the discharge of waste into water sources. Additionally, the burning of waste produces smoke that can contribute to respiratory problems, and stagnant water in industrial areas can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria (Odunola et al., 2019). The vibrations produced by the heavy machinery pose a threat to the well-being of both machine operators and other personnel in the factory.

 Industrial waste management is the systematic collection and treatment of trash generated by industrial processes. Industrial waste management refers to the practice of controlling the creation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of industrial waste in a manner that effectively addresses various factors such as public health, conservation, economics, aesthetics, engineering, and environmental concerns (LeBlanc, 2017). LeBlanc (2017) described six components of industrial waste management: Waste generation: Onside handling, storage, processing: Waste collection: Waste transfer or transport: Waste processing and recovery: and Waste disposal. Oil, smoke, sawdust, papers, rags, leathers, iron particles, food particles and wastewater are all the by-products or wastes from industries (Meis, 2019). In order to effectively manage industrial waste, it is essential to implement the following methods: incineration, sanitary landfill, composting, source reduction, and the promotion of reusing and recycling. These measures are necessary for the proper management of industrial waste (Conserve Energy Future [CEF], 2017). Inadequate management of industrial waste has significant implications for the well-being of both industrial workers and individuals residing or conducting business in proximity to industrial facilities (Meis, 2019). Industrial waste management is to mitigate and eradicate the detrimental impacts of waste materials on human health and the environment, hence promoting economic growth and enhancing the overall quality of life (Henry et al., 2023). 

Cameroon has undergone significant economic expansion in recent decades, propelled by pivotal sectors including mining, manufacturing, and agriculture (Essien, 2023). The industrial boom has greatly augmented the quantity and variety of industrial waste produced throughout the nation. Although there are economic advantages, the handling and elimination of this waste provide significant difficulties that affect both the environment and public health. The waste management techniques in Cameroon now consist of a combination of formal and informal systems (Nuhu et al., 2022). While certain sectors comply with regulatory criteria and utilize waste treatment technology, others lack the essential infrastructure and resources for efficient waste management. The regulatory framework pertaining to industrial waste is established, but, the implementation and adherence to these regulations are inconsistent, mostly due to limits in capacity and financial resources (Adebayo et al., 2023).

Environmental deterioration, such as soil and water contamination, as well as air pollution, has resulted from the inappropriate disposal and management of industrial waste. These problems present substantial hazards to nearby communities, leading to negative health consequences and reducing the overall quality of life (Ngolo et al., 2023). Various measures have been implemented to tackle these issues, encompassing official initiatives as well as endeavors undertaken by non-governmental organizations. Nevertheless, there is still a requirement for a thorough assessment of the existing waste management methods, identification of crucial obstacles, and formulation of practical suggestions to improve waste management and disposal techniques. The objective of this study is to address the current research deficiencies by conducting a comprehensive assessment of industrial waste management and disposal practices in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The growing industrialization of Cameroon has led to a substantial growth in the quantity and intricacy of industrial waste produced in several sectors, such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Industrial growth brings economic advantages, but the handling and elimination of industrial wastes provide significant environmental and health difficulties (Ngwa et al., 2021; Njoya et al., 2020).

The waste management procedures now employed in Cameroon frequently fail to meet the required standards due to a lack of proper infrastructure, insufficient technology, and low financial resources. Numerous industrial facilities do not possess the required equipment and procedures for efficient waste treatment, resulting in incorrect disposal methods such open dumping and unregulated burning (Ojong et al., 2023). The regulatory system designed to regulate the management of industrial waste is frequently not implemented adequately, with deficiencies in the execution of policies and supervision worsening the situation (Mouelle et al., 2019). The environmental repercussions of these insufficient practices are significant. Poor handling of industrial waste has resulted in extensive pollution of soil and water, with detrimental effects on biodiversity and local ecosystems (Tabe et al., 2022). The combustion of garbage and the release of hazardous pollutants exacerbate environmental deterioration and provide hazards to human well-being (Mekala et al., 2021).

The consequences for public health are similarly worrisome. Proximity to industrial facilities frequently leads to elevated rates of respiratory and other health issues among nearby communities, primarily caused by exposure to toxic waste substances (Fon et al., 2023). The issue is exacerbated by a dearth of rigorous rules and enforcement mechanisms pertaining to the disposal of industrial waste. Current legislation and regulations frequently suffer from obsolescence, ineffective execution, or insufficient enforcement, so enabling industries to persist in hazardous behaviors with limited responsibility (Njeh et al., 2022). Although governmental and non-governmental organizations have made significant attempts to enhance waste management methods, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation about the present systems and their efficacy. To tackle these difficulties, it is necessary to do thorough study on existing practices, identify major obstacles, and formulate practical recommendations to improve industrial waste management and disposal in Cameroon.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate Management and Disposal of Industrial Wastes in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods used for managing and disposing of industrial waste in Cameroon

To examine the existing regulations and policies governing industrial waste management in Cameroon.

To assess the health and environmental impact of current industrial waste management practices in Cameroon

To identify the major challenges faced by industries and waste management authorities in Cameroon.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

How effective are the current methods used for managing and disposing of industrial waste in Cameroon?

Are there existing regulations and policies governing industrial waste management in Cameroon?

What are the health and environmental impact of current industrial waste management practices in Cameroon?

What are the major challenges faced by industries and waste management authorities in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: The current methods used for managing and disposing of industrial waste in Cameroon is highly ineffective.

Ha: The current methods used for managing and disposing of industrial waste in Cameroon is highly effective.

1.6 Significance of the study

This section provides an overview of the wide-ranging consequences and advantages of the study, highlighting its significance for many parties involved and its potential to enhance the management of industrial waste in Cameroon. The study will provide a fundamental reference point for governments, communities, industries, students, and academics.

Gaining comprehension and enhancing existing waste management methods can effectively diminish environmental contamination. This involves reducing soil, water, and air pollution, which is crucial for conserving ecosystems and natural resources. The study has the potential to encourage the implementation of more environmentally friendly waste management procedures, hence decreasing the environmental impact of industrial activity.

Moreover, through the identification of health hazards linked to inadequate waste management methods, the study can aid in the development of policies to safeguard communities from the harmful effects of toxic substances and health issues caused by pollution. The study's recommendations can result in enhanced industrial waste management practices, which in turn can lead to improved health outcomes for workers and residents in the vicinity. The study has the potential to enhance knowledge on the significance of effective waste management among local communities and industrial stakeholders, hence promoting a culture of environmental accountability. The findings can facilitate the creation of community-based initiatives that promote active engagement in trash management endeavors.

Furthermore, the study offers empirical insights into the efficacy of current legislation and policies, assisting policymakers in formulating more resilient and efficient waste management systems. The study can bolster efforts to enhance regulatory frameworks and ensure improved compliance by bringing attention to deficiencies in regulatory enforcement.

Furthermore, Recommendations can result in investments in cutting-edge waste management technologies and upgrades to infrastructure, so generating economic prospects and improving operational efficiencies. Enhanced waste management techniques can result in financial benefits for enterprises by implementing more efficient trash reduction and recycling methods.

Moreover, this study contributes to the existing knowledge on industrial waste management by offering significant data and analysis that might guide future research and scholarly discussions. The discoveries can result in actual implementations and interventions, which can be advantageous to industries, regulatory entities, and local communities.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate Management and Disposal of Industrial Wastes in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods used for managing and disposing of industrial waste in Cameroon and examine the existing regulations and policies governing industrial waste management in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the health and environmental impact of current industrial waste management practices in Cameroon and it also seeks to identify the major challenges faced by industries and waste management authorities in Cameroon.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the analysis, the researchers noted certain modest constraints that are inherent to all human activities. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, resulting from the scarcity of data on an Evaluation of Management and Disposal of Industrial Wastes in Cameroon. Therefore, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to determine the appropriate materials, books, or information and gather data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographic scope, primarily focusing on Cameroon. Therefore, the generalizability of the findings from this study is restricted, highlighting the need for further investigation. 

Moreover, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student who lacks the requisite financial means to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation fees at the study site posed a challenge in meeting the financial obligations related to transportation expenses.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while simultaneously fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Industrial waste: Industrial waste is defined as waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes. The types of industrial waste generated include cafeteria garbage, dirt and gravel, masonry and concrete, scrap metals, trash, oil, solvents, chemicals, weed grass and trees, wood and scrap lumber, and similar wastes.

Industrial waste management: Industrial waste management involves collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of an organization's industrial waste. This includes everything from contaminated soil and dry pesticides all the way to chemical waste.