Challenges and Prospects of Metal Scavenging as a Strategy for Waste Reduction in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Waste scavenging presents a growing challenge for numerous municipalities and local authorities in Nigeria. Unfortunately, this issue has often been overlooked by officials due to a lack of understanding regarding its role in resource recovery and recycling. This research examined the obstacles and opportunities associated with metal scavenging as a method for waste reduction in the Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State, Nigeria. Employing a purposive sampling approach, the study involved interviews with 234 waste pickers using semi-structured questionnaires. The data gathered encompassed demographic information of the waste pickers (including age, gender, marital status, and educational background) as well as socio-economic effects (such as income and health issues) related to waste scavenging. The findings indicated that the primary motivators for waste scavenging are poverty (58%) and unemployment (35%). Additionally, waste scavenging plays a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of waste pickers, with 93.3% generating income from the sale of recovered materials. A significant majority (80%) of the waste pickers focus on scavenging metals, while a smaller proportion targets food items. The study concluded that, despite being overlooked, waste scavenging is vital for the livelihoods of waste pickers and contributes to waste management efforts in Port Harcourt. It is recommended that waste scavenging be regulated and incorporated into the formal waste management framework of Rivers State, potentially through the establishment of cooperatives for waste pickers that would be registered with the Rivers State Waste Management Agency and acknowledged within formal structures.