Prospects And Challenges Of Using Commingled Plastic Waste Materials In Plastic Production Processes In Metropolitan Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Use of plastics, a non-bio degradable element, is on the increase, globally; and this material could cause huge environmental problems when disposed improperly. However, most species of plastic wastes are recyclable with huge benefits. Lagos State with a population of over 12 million people generates a huge amount of plastic waste. This study assessed the perception of the manufacturers of plastic products in Lagos State with regard to the use of comingled recycled plastic wastes in production. The objective of this study was to proffer solutions that could: promote environmental ambience of Lagos State, and also engineer price reduction of locally produced plastic goods in Nigeria through a reduction in the cost of raw materials input by encouraging the use of recycled plastic material. Purposive Sampling technique was used in selecting operationally active plastic manufacturing companies in metropolitan Lagos for sampling. Seventy -five companies were sampled for interview using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. This study revealed that majority (91.7%) of the plastic manufacturers in Lagos State adopted recycled plastic waste materials in production.  However, recycled plastic waste material is in short supply for use by the manufacturers. The implication of this finding is that more employment opportunities exist in this informal sector in Lagos State. The study concluded that the output of large-scale recycling of plastic wastes in Lagos State has an existing potential market to feed. The study recommended that State government and the Local Community Development Authorities should synergize to organize plastic waste recyclers in Lagos State into a semi-formal structured business operation for bankability and increased output to serve the currently under-served plastic manufacturers.