The Incidence of Plastic Debris along Tyume River in Alice, South Africa

The article is premised on the Zero Waste theory and it addresses the environmental impact of unscientific disposal of plastic debris along Tyume River in Alice Town, South Africa. The researchers confirmed that Alice community lacks awareness on plastic waste management as evidenced by inappropriate disposal of plastic waste along the river causing environmental pollution. Behavioral action is lacking and can be enhanced through environment education and economic enterprise initiatives at the community level. The researchers established that runoff water, wind and irresponsible residents generate plastic debris along Tyume River. The environmental costs of plastic waste along rivers are still poorly understood by South African communities since limited studies have been undertaken on this subject. There is a dearth of knowledge on the effects of plastic waste along rivers. Previous studies focused on plastic debris in the sea ignoring plastic waste along rivers including Tyume River in Alice. The article adds value to the limited knowledge on the incidence of plastic waste through addressing approaches which Nkonkobe Municipal Management and Alice community should take to ensure safe environment along rivers.