ISSN 2239-978X Journal of Educational and Social Research Vol. 3 (4) July 2013 37 A Study on Solid Waste Generation and Characterization in Some Selected Hospitals in Okigwe, Imo State-Nigeria Etusim, P. E. 1 , Ijere, A.O. 1 , Melariri, P. E. 1 , Ogwo, P. A. 2 and Ikonne, U. 3 1 Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Abia State University, Uturu-Nigeria 2 Department of Environmental Resource Management, Abia State University, Uturu-Nigeria 3 Public/Environmental Health Unit, , Abia State University, Uturu-Nigeria Doi:10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n4p37 Abstract This paper reports the result of hospital waste analysis undertaken in some hospitals in Okigwe. This analysis was carried out between August and December 2012. Hospital wastes generated and collected from three different hospitals in Okigwe were categorized into five different classes of hospital waste. A total 95.51kg of waste was collected from the three hospitals; 60.54kg (63.38%) from H1, 18.9kg (19.7%) from H2 and 16.07kg (16.83%) from H3. GHW was the most prominent waste consisting of 64.6kg (67.63%) while the least waste type was RHW 0.09kg (0.09%). SHW, IHW and PHW weighed 11.9kg (12.45%), 16.4kg (17.17%) and 2.45kg (2.56%) respectively. A similar pattern and order of composition was recorded in the three different hospitals. RHW being the least generated waste, followed by PHW, SHW, IHW and finally GHW. A total of 13.2kg of waste was generated per day at the three hospitals; H1 generated the greatest waste per day (7.57kg), H2 generated the least waste per day (2.01kg) H3 generated 3.36kg of the hospital waste per day. H2 produced the greatest Waste/Day/Bed (0.33kg) while H1 produced the least (0.09kg). H3 generated 0.20kg hospital Waste/Day/Bed. This study reveals the absence of modern waste/incineration facilities in all the hospitals and therefore recommends their provision in order to contain the rapid waste generation of the hospitals. Keywords: solid waste, generation, characterization, storage and composition Introduction As long as there are human activities, definitely waste must be generated (Nwankwo, 2003). A man or woman ceases to generate waste only when he or she is to be disposed off as waste (Adogame, 2009). Wastes may be generated during the extraction of raw materials into intermediate and final products, and other human activities. Residuals recycled or reused at the place of generation are excluded (Diaz, 2006). Solid waste generation deals with the release of solid materials as a result of several activities of which the materials are of no more value and use to the owner at the time of release. Solid waste generation involves getting rid of waste materials from primary point of generation to any intermediate or final corner which may inconvenience or create discomfort to the normal or healthy living and affects the ecological balance (Okereke, 2006). Since the beginning, the hospitals are known for the treatment of sick persons but we are unaware about the adverse effects of the garbage and filth generated by them on human and environment. Now, it is a well established fact that there are many adverse and harmful effects to