Theoretical Approaches to Plastic Waste Regulation in Nigeria

This paper aims to provide a broad perspective on the plastic waste management problem globally and examine different theories and approaches to plastic waste management. The objective is to ascertain best practices for sustainable plastic waste management. Recently, managing plastic pollution has become a major international environmental priority due to observed and estimated damage that plastics can cause to the environment, aquatic wildlife and ecosystems (both freshwater and marine). It was found that the world collectively produces more than 400 million tons of plastics every year, of which thirty-six percent is single-use plastic packaging. Their increased use in modern society has increased environmental impacts associated with their production and disposal. It is feared that the growing demand for these resources will facilitate an increase in resource consumption and waste generation, contribute to the deterioration of the natural environment and climate change, and impact future generations. Equally, the environmental cost and incredibly low recycling rates have prompted the argument that plastics should be replaced with alternative materials, which may present fewer environmental challenges or adopt a sustainable means of usage. Large populations, rapid urbanisation, robust consumption, and low waste collection rates, in addition to other challenges, have been identified as reasons for inadequate plastic waste management. An examination of theoretical and practical approaches such as Human Behavioural Change, Extended Producers’ Responsibility and Sustainable Development has shown that no single approach can or has sufficiently solved plastic waste problem due to a myriad of reasons. However, the paper concludes that the adoption of mixed approaches will ensure socially, economically and environmentally sustainable plastic waste management.