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Waste Generation Patterns at Recreational Beaches: Types and Volumes of Waste at Eleko and Elegushi Beaches, Lagos State, Nigeria
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Waste Generation Patterns
DOI: 10.64388/IREV10I2-1722390
Abstract
Beach environments constitute important recreational and tourism resources but are increasingly exposed to solid-waste generation arising from visitor activities, food and beverage consumption, commercial operations and other human activities. Quantifying the types and volume of waste generated is essential for understanding the environmental pressure associated with recreational beaches and for developing evidence-based management interventions. This study assessed the types and volume of waste generated at Eleko Beach and Elegushi Royal Beach in Lagos State, Nigeria. A field-based descriptive assessment was undertaken at the two beaches, with waste generated over six observation days measured in kilograms. The waste was also classified according to identifiable material categories. Results showed daily variations in waste generation at both beaches. Eleko Beach recorded 56, 57, 43, 53, 28 and 54 kg across the six observation days, giving a cumulative 291 kg, while Elegushi Royal Beach recorded 38, 52, 47, 42.5, 36 and 49 kg, giving a cumulative 264.5 kg. Thus, Eleko recorded a slightly higher cumulative quantity than Elegushi during the observation period. The pattern indicates substantial but fluctuating waste generation at both recreational beaches. The findings are consistent with wider evidence identifying plastics and other consumer-related materials as major components of beach litter. Recent research along the Lagos coastline has similarly identified plastic and styrofoam among dominant litter categories and recorded substantial litter abundance at Elegushi Beach. The study concludes that systematic measurement and characterization of beach waste should form part of sustainable coastal tourism management in Lagos State. Improved source separation, visitor-oriented waste reduction and regular monitoring of waste generation are recommended.
Keywords
beach waste, solid waste generation, waste characterization, marine litter, recreational tourism, eleko beach, elegushi beach, lagos state.
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1722390,
author = {Adewumi, Janet Adedoyin, Titiloye, Tayo Oluwaseyi},
title = {Waste Generation Patterns at Recreational Beaches: Types and Volumes of Waste at Eleko and Elegushi Beaches, Lagos State, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {1981-1990},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722390.pdf},
abstract = {Beach environments constitute important recreational and tourism resources but are increasingly exposed to solid-waste generation arising from visitor activities, food and beverage consumption, commercial operations and other human activities. Quantifying the types and volume of waste generated is essential for understanding the environmental pressure associated with recreational beaches and for developing evidence-based management interventions. This study assessed the types and volume of waste generated at Eleko Beach and Elegushi Royal Beach in Lagos State, Nigeria. A field-based descriptive assessment was undertaken at the two beaches, with waste generated over six observation days measured in kilograms. The waste was also classified according to identifiable material categories. Results showed daily variations in waste generation at both beaches. Eleko Beach recorded 56, 57, 43, 53, 28 and 54 kg across the six observation days, giving a cumulative 291 kg, while Elegushi Royal Beach recorded 38, 52, 47, 42.5, 36 and 49 kg, giving a cumulative 264.5 kg. Thus, Eleko recorded a slightly higher cumulative quantity than Elegushi during the observation period. The pattern indicates substantial but fluctuating waste generation at both recreational beaches. The findings are consistent with wider evidence identifying plastics and other consumer-related materials as major components of beach litter. Recent research along the Lagos coastline has similarly identified plastic and styrofoam among dominant litter categories and recorded substantial litter abundance at Elegushi Beach. The study concludes that systematic measurement and characterization of beach waste should form part of sustainable coastal tourism management in Lagos State. Improved source separation, visitor-oriented waste reduction and regular monitoring of waste generation are recommended.},
keywords = {beach waste, solid waste generation, waste characterization, marine litter, recreational tourism, eleko beach, elegushi beach, lagos state.},
month = {August},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I2-1722390}
}