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

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.