MITIGATING PLASTIC POLLUTION IN NIGERIA THROUGH CIRCULAR ECONOMY, A PROSPECT IN AZARE BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA.

Abstract

Plastic pollution is an emerging global concern despite the huge benefits of plastics. The traditional production process assumes abundant, easily accessible, and cost-effective natural resources. Considering the world’s current trajectory, this assumption is unsustainable as human population and economic growth is nearly exceeding the Earth’s ecological limits. Circular economy, in contrast promotes waste reduction and improves resource efficiency, making it a more sustainable alternative to the dominant linear model of make, use and dispose model. Extensive review of existing waste management frameworks in Nigeria and their applicability towards the achievement of circular economy was used in this study. Key concepts of circular economy such as elimination of waste and pollution, circulation of products and materials, and restoration of nature were used in the assessment. Despite deliberate and conscious efforts made to promote the adoption of circular economy principles and practices in the country and mainstream such into our National Development Plans and cascade to the sub-nationals, the dividends are yet to be felt, it is hoped that with the increase in urbanization and population growth in Azare circular economy will help in mitigating plastic pollution. It is therefore recommended that government policies should be made and implemented with a strong political will, improve and upgrade the capacities of established recycling plants both human and machine and also educating the populace and creating awareness on the advantages in circular economy and the need to use recycled products.