Development of Framework for Plastic Waste Management in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Development of Framework for Plastic Waste Management in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

 Onwuka, Shalom U., Onyebueke, Ogechukwu O.
Department of Environmental Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Abstract: With the increase in plastic waste generation in Enugu Metropolis coupled with its ubiquity and threat to the environment, this study was carried out with the aim of designing a framework for plastic waste management in Enugu Metropolis. The study was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires to members of staff of Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA) and residents in the three Local Government Areas that make up Enugu Metropolis which include: Enugu North L.G.A, Enugu South L.G.A, and Enugu East L.G.A. Data collected from the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that for effective plastic waste management in Enugu Metropolis, the following strategies should be implemented: creation of more environmental awareness, implementation and enforcement of polluters pay principle, implementation of extended producers responsibility, creation of plastic waste recycling centers, the involvement of stakeholders/citizens in plastic waste management policymaking, development of effective policies on plastic waste, the introduction of incentives for plastic reuse, introduction of incentives for plastic recycling, effective monitoring of policies on plastics. These strategies were used to design a framework for plastic waste management in Enugu Metropolis. The study, therefore, recommended that the developed framework be quickly implemented to reduce the quantity as well as the threats of plastic waste.

I. INTRODUCTION

In the last ten years, due to the increased generation and improper disposal of plastics on land, plastic waste has attracted attention in so many developing countries of which Nigeria is not left out (Vijaya and Seemas, 2012). It accounts for 15% of total waste volume and some of the organics may still be classified as plastic material as a fraction of its production is from plastic materials (Adekomaya and Ojo, 2016). Plastic waste in the environment poses lots of threats to the ecosystem which include loss of aquatic life, blockage of drainage system resulting in flooding, reduction in water and nutrient absorption into the soil, destruction of the aesthetic value of the environment. The problems facing developing countries in the handling of plastic waste are not impossible to solve but they need a concerted effort from all sectors of society (Wasonga, Okuto and Ngugi, 2018). This implies that an all-inclusive approach is necessary for the achievement of any meaningful plastic waste management (Wasonga, Okuto and Ngugi, 2018; Kevin, 2018)

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