The Olusosun nigerian dumpsite is a 100-acre[1] dump in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.[2] It is the largest in Africa, and one of the largest in the world. The site receives up to 10,000 tons of rubbish each day. Waste from around 500 container ships is also delivered to the site, adding a substantial portion of electronic waste. Some of this material is treated with chemicals to extract reusable products resulting in toxic fumes being released.[3]
Olusosun landfill | |
---|---|
Olusosun landfill | |
Coordinates: 6.5945255, 3.3779600 | |
Area | |
• Total | 40 ha (100 acres) |
Time zone | West Africa standard Time |
Around 500 homes exist at the site in shanty towns, occupied by residents who work at the dump scavenging for scrap to sell.[4]
Side effects
editLandfills, often overlooked, are more than just mountains of trash; they’re significant sources of harmful gases that contribute to climate change. [5]
Olusosun landfill was once located on the outskirts of the populated area, however Lagos has, in recent years, undergone such massive expansion, that the site is now surrounded by commercial and residential areas.[6]
Maintenance
editLagos state government closed the landfill on the 10th of November 2021 for 48 hours, the closure is due to maintenance.[7]
References
edit- ^ Christine Jenkins (2011-02-19). "An Incredible Satellite Tour Of 15 Trash Dumps That Are Bigger Than Towns". Business Insider. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ "News Feature - Olusosun, Lagos Suburb in the eye of filthy storm: A Government's Course; A People's Curse". Africanoutlookonline.com. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ Freeman, Andrew (2012-05-25). "7 of the Largest Landfills in the World". Takepart.com. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ "The Big Picture: climate change | Environment | The Observer". Guardian. 2008-03-23. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ Aina, Temitope (2023-10-25). "Lagos dislodges scavengers from Oluosun dumpsite". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ "Olusosun: Intriguing ways of seeking wealth in refuse heaps". Vanguardngr.com. 2012-06-27. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ "Lagos to close Olusosun landfill". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2024-07-06.