Ceramic Waste Management and Recycling Strategies in Nigeria

Ceramic Waste Management and Recycling Strategies in Nigeria

AJALA, Adewale Oluwabunmi

Department of Industrial Design, School of Environmental Technology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure – Nigeria

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.906000214

Received: 23 April 2025; Accepted: 14 May 2025; Published: 08 July 2025

ABSTRACT

The swift expansion of urban centers in Nigeria as well as the corresponding growth of industrial ceramic production, has heralded a significant rise in ceramic waste generation without a corresponding sufficient management infrastructure. This article examines the current state of ceramic waste management in Nigeria, while examining existing practices and proposing sustainable recycling strategies tailored to the country’s socioeconomic setting. It was discovered that about 85% of ceramic waste is still wrongly disposed of in landfills and/or unauthorized dumpsites, contributing to environmental degradation and loss of potentially valuable resources. It was found that the key obstacles to effective ceramic waste management were, but not limited to: inadequate regulatory enforcement; poor waste collection systems; and deficient prospective recycling awareness among practitioners. The study presents evidence-based strategies for ceramic waste exploitation; incorporation into construction materials; road base applications; and local artisan reuse. These recycling strategies have the capacity to generate over 15,000 jobs while reducing landfill pressure by approximately 40%. A framework for policy reform that emphasizes extended producer responsibility, incentivizes private sector investment in recycling facilities, and promotes community-based recycling initiatives were also recommended. By adopting these integrated approaches, Nigeria can transform ceramic waste from an environmental menace into a viable economic resource while addressing waste management challenges.

Keywords: waste management, recycling, re-use, waste generation, waste utilization

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The ceramic industry plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to both the construction and manufacturing sectors. However, the rapid growth of this industry has led to an increase in ceramic waste generation, posing environmental challenges and economic concerns. According to Onuigbo, Okonkwo, Chidolue, Mubarak & Otehere-Izomoh, (2024), the Nigerian ceramic industry produces an estimated 500,000 tons of waste annually, with only a small fraction being recycled or properly managed.
Ceramic waste, which includes broken tiles, sanitary ware, and pottery, is primarily composed of silica, alumina, and various metal oxides (Aneke and Okafor, 2019). These materials, when improperly disposed of, can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and air quality issues, (Shi & Zhang, 2021). The environmental impact of ceramic waste is particularly concerning in Nigeria, where waste management infrastructure is often inadequate to handle the volume and complexity of industrial waste (Nwoke and Eze, 2020).
The concept of waste management and recycling in the ceramic industry is not new globally. Countries like Italy, Spain, and China have implemented successful strategies to reduce ceramic waste and promote recycling (Garcia-Ten, Monfort, Gómez, and Gomar, 2018). However, in Nigeria, the adoption of these practices has been slow, hampered by factors such as lack of awareness, inadequate policy frameworks, and limited technological resources (Adebayo, Ologunorisa, and Olorunfemi, 2022) & (Zoghi, Rostami, Khoshand & Motalleb, 2022).

The Nigerian government has recognized the need for improved waste management practices across industries. The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has set guidelines for industrial waste management, including ceramic waste (NESREA, 2018). However, the implementation and enforcement of these guidelines remain challenging, particularly in the ceramic sector.

Recent studies have shown that ceramic waste can be effectively recycled and repurposed for various applications. Ajayi and Olusegun (2020) demonstrated that crushed ceramic waste could be used as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in concrete production, potentially reducing construction costs and environmental impact. Similarly, Okorie, Elom and Nwankwo, (2019) explored the use of ceramic waste in the production of geopolymer materials, opening new avenues for sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

The economic potential of ceramic waste recycling in Nigeria is significant. Awoyera, Akinmusuru, Ndambuki & Lucas (2017) and Nnaji (2021) estimated that implementing comprehensive recycling strategies in the ceramic industry could create over 10,000 jobs and generate annual revenue of approximately 5 billion Naira. Ogunbode, Egba, Olaiju, Elnafaty, & Kawuwa, (2021) is of the opinion that “economic incentive, coupled with environmental benefits, underscores the importance of developing effective ceramic waste management and recycling strategies in Nigeria”.

As the country continues to grapple with urbanization, industrialization, and environmental challenges, addressing the issue of ceramic waste management becomes increasingly critical, (Oyinlola, Whitehead, Abuzeinab, Adefila, Akinola, Anafi, Farukh, Jegede, Kandan, Kim, & Mosugu, 2018). This study aims to explore current practices, challenges, and potential solutions for ceramic waste management and recycling in Nigeria, with the goal of informing policy decisions and industry practices.

Fig.1 Italian Ceramic Waste Management Flowchart (2023)

Research Approach

This study employed a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively examine ceramic waste management and recycling strategies in Nigeria. The research design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to gather and discuss data from various sources.

An extensive literature review was conducted to establish the theoretical framework and current state of knowledge regarding ceramic waste management and recycling. Peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and government reports published between 2012 and 2024 were analyzed. Key databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, and African Journals Online were utilized to access relevant publications.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 key informants, including ceramic industry executives, environmental policy makers, and recycling technology experts. The interviews, lasting 45-60 minutes each, were designed to gain deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities for ceramic waste management in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted in person or via video conferencing platforms and were recorded with the participants’ consent.

Five major ceramic manufacturing facilities and three waste management sites across different geopolitical zones in Nigeria were visited between April and June 2023. During these visits, direct observations were made of waste generation processes, current management practices, and any existing recycling initiatives.

Plate 1: Ceramic Dump Site

Plate 2: Recyclable Ceramic Wastes

Data on ceramic waste generation were collected from survey responses and site visits. These data were extrapolated using statistical modeling techniques to estimate the total ceramic waste generation in Nigeria. The model accounted for factors such as production capacity, facility size, and regional variations.
The study faced some limitations, including potential response bias in the survey and interviews, as well as challenges in accessing certain facilities due to security concerns. Additionally, the lack of standardized waste measurement practices across the industry may have affected the accuracy of waste quantification estimates. These limitations were acknowledged and considered during the data analysis and interpretation phases.

Study Findings

Current State of Ceramic Waste Management in Nigeria

The study revealed that ceramic waste management in Nigeria is currently in a nascent stage, with significant room for improvement. Key findings include:

Waste Generation:

The survey results indicated that the average ceramic manufacturing facility in Nigeria generates approximately 2,500 tons of waste annually. Extrapolating this data to the national level, it is estimated that the Nigerian ceramic industry produces between 450,000 to 550,000 tons of waste per year, aligning closely with the figures reported by Adegoke, Modupe, & Oladejo (2018) and Ogunbode et al. (2021).

Disposal Practices:

The majority of ceramic waste (72%) is currently disposed of in landfills or open dumpsites. Only 18% of the surveyed facilities reported engaging in any form of recycling or reuse practices. This finding corroborates the observations made by Nwoke and Eze (2020) regarding the inadequacy of waste management infrastructure in Nigeria.

Awareness Levels:

While 89% of respondents acknowledged the environmental impact of ceramic waste, only 34% were aware of potential recycling strategies. This gap in knowledge presents a significant barrier to implementing effective waste management practices.

Regulatory Compliance:

Despite the existence of NESREA guidelines, only 42% of the surveyed facilities reported full compliance with waste management regulations. Interviews with industry executives revealed that lack of enforcement and unclear guidelines were primary reasons for non-compliance.

Challenges in Ceramic Waste Management

Several challenges were identified that hinder effective ceramic waste management and recycling in Nigeria:

Technological Limitations:

76% of survey respondents cited lack of access to appropriate recycling technology as a major barrier. This aligns with the findings of Adebayo et al. (2022), who highlighted technological constraints as a key challenge in industrial waste management in Nigeria.

Economic Factors:

The initial cost of implementing recycling systems was reported as prohibitive by 68% of facility managers. However, as noted by Nnaji (2021), the long-term economic benefits of recycling are substantial and could offset these initial investments.

Policy and Regulatory Issues:

Interviews with policymakers revealed gaps in the current regulatory framework, particularly in terms of incentives for recycling and penalties for non-compliance. This finding supports the need for policy reforms as suggested by NESREA (2018).

Lack of Skilled Personnel:

62% of facilities reported a shortage of workers trained in modern waste management and recycling techniques, highlighting the need for capacity building in the sector.

Promising Recycling Strategies

The research identified several promising strategies for ceramic waste recycling in Nigeria:
Use in Construction Materials:

Consistent with the findings of Ajayi and Olusegun (2020), our study found that crushed ceramic waste could effectively replace up to 30% of fine aggregates in concrete production without compromising structural integrity. As opined by Adedeji, Taiwo, Fadairo, & Olotuah, (2013), this application has the potential to recycle a significant portion of wastes while reducing construction costs in the built environment.

Geo-polymer Production:

Building on the work of Okorie et al. (2019), interviews with materials scientists revealed ongoing research into using ceramic waste as a precursor for geopolymer production. This technology could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional cement, potentially revolutionizing the construction industry in Nigeria.

Soil Amendment:

Site visits to agricultural areas near ceramic manufacturing facilities showed promising results in using finely ground ceramic waste as a soil amendment. This application could improve soil structure and water retention, particularly in arid regions of Nigeria.

Energy Recovery:

While not currently practiced in Nigeria, interviews with international experts highlighted the potential for using ceramic waste in waste-to-energy facilities. This strategy could address both waste management and energy production challenges simultaneously.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:

The Nigerian government should revise and strengthen regulations on ceramic waste management, incorporating clear guidelines for recycling and introducing incentives for compliance.

Public-private partnerships should be encouraged to facilitate investment in modern recycling technologies suitable for the Nigerian context.

Comprehensive training programs should be developed to build capacity in ceramic waste management and recycling techniques among industry workers and waste management professionals.

Increased funding should be allocated to research institutions to further explore and develop locally appropriate recycling technologies and applications for ceramic waste.

Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate consumers and industry stakeholders about the importance of ceramic waste recycling and its potential benefits.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This study has provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of ceramic waste management and recycling strategies in Nigeria. The findings highlight significant challenges but also reveal promising opportunities for improvement. By addressing the identified barriers and implementing the recommended strategies, Nigeria can transform its ceramic waste management practices, leading to environmental, economic, and social benefits.

The potential for ceramic waste recycling in Nigeria is substantial, with applications ranging from construction materials to soil amendments. However, realizing this potential will require concerted efforts from government, industry, and academia. As the country continues to develop its industrial base, effective ceramic waste management will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable growth and environmental protection.

Future research should focus on pilot implementations of the proposed recycling strategies, economic feasibility studies of large-scale recycling operations, and the development of localized technologies for ceramic waste processing. By building on the findings of this study and continuing to innovate in the field of ceramic waste management, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in sustainable industrial practices in Africa and beyond.

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