The state of solid waste management in cities of developing countries like Nigeria is a major
social/environmental challenge. While research to understand the nature of the barriers to sustainable
management methods have been carried out, the impact of seasonal changes in waste
composition and practice is still in its infancy in developing countries. This paper investigates
seasonal variation in municipal solid waste composition in Abuja, Nigeria, a classic tropical urban
environment. Weekly waste collections from eighty randomly selected dwellings in Garki
District of Abuja Municipality were sampled and analyzed at two peaks of the main tropical seasons:
January-February (dry season) and August-September (wet season) in 2008. Results of
compositional analysis and physical characterization were statistically analyzed and indicate
that waste stream has approximately 11% and 60% recyclable and biodegradable components
respectively. This investigation finds no significant difference in the proportion of biodegradable
components of the waste stream from both seasons. Findings from this investigation helped
develop strategies designed to improve current management practices.