Assessment of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Recycling Practices in Keffi Metropolis, Nasarawa, Nigeria

Abstract

The research paper focuses on assessment of recycling PET activity in the city of Keffi Metropolis, the state of Nasarawa with the purpose to develop a more sustainable and friendly waste management model. A survey design of quantitative descriptive study was used that utilised 399 respondents chosen through stratified and simple random sampling methods. The data were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed descriptively using statistical analysis as well as thematically. The results show that the consumption rate of PET bottles is high in Keffi with little formal recycling systems. The waste management of PET is organised mostly through informal sources, which include waste pickers, small scale pickers, and household level reuse of the waste to local beverages. Over half of the participants were found to have limited knowledge of official techniques of PET recovery, and recycling operations in general are still mostly unorganised. Even though 44.7% of the respondents attributed the economic value of PET collection and resale, 55.3% indicated that they were not directly involved when it comes to recycling, highlighting the imbalanced presence in the value chain of recycling. Spatial inequalities on the waste management infrastructure also led to indiscriminate dumping and burning especially in the peripheral neighbourhoods. However, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness by people, coordination of policies and formalisation of the integration process of the PET recycling hinder the overall benefits of PET recycling. In conclusion, the PET waste management improvement in Keffi requires the development of the formal collection system, unification and formalisation of informal recyclers, the increase of the public awareness campaign, and the support of the policy that aligns with the principles of the circular economy. The solution to these shortcomings will allow Keffi to streamline towards a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable process of PET recycling.