Human evolving pattern has brought about the present situation whereby vast amounts of plastic waste generated is increasing at an unprecedented rate nationwide as well as all over world.
Investigation has shown that changing consumption patterns, coupled with the rise of single-use plastics, packaging materials, and electronics is making the generation of plastic waste to grow astronomically thereby creating a daunting challenge for the society and the country as a whole.
For instance, across major cities and even some semi-urban cities in Nigeria, dumpsites are overflowing with plastic waste, most of which end up in the rivers and oceans; endangering marine wildlife, damaging the soil, poisoning ground water and resulting in serious adverse effects on human health coupled with the unpredicted climate change patterns worldwide.
Findings have revealed that in Nigeria, 15 percent of the solid waste generated translating to almost 5 million tonnes per annum alone is plastic.
It is therefore alarming when the Minister of State for the Environment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako noted that less than 10 percent of plastic waste is managed properly in the country with the remaining over 90 percent littering streets, drainages and dumpsites blocking drains, and thus finding their way into the oceans.
This unpleasant development has earned Nigeria the unenviable record of the tenth largest producer of unmanaged plastic in the world, he lamented.
However, the Minister said that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the global community is concerned about the increasing amount of plastic waste in the environment from sources such as food and drink packaging, beverages and shopping bags as their improper disposal waste contributes to environmental degradation and the release of toxic gases when burnt or incinerated with devastating effects on human health.
“To protect the environment and safeguard future generations, we must take urgent action to manage our waste, especially plastic more sustainably,” he stressed.
He canvassed the sorting of plastic waste at the source as a simple but effective way to reduce contamination in the recycling stream thereby ensuring that more materials are successfully repurposed.
“It also reduces the costs associated with sorting waste at facilities, allowing resources to be allocated more effectively to the recycling process.
“By sorting out your waste, you contribute directly to a cleaner environment. This small action helps divert plastic waste from landfills, oceans, and streets, thereby reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity.
“I call on governments at all levels, businesses, civil society and non governmental organizations to work together to provide clear, consistent information on how and why sorting matters.
“Returning reusable or recyclable “waste” (use) materials must become and obligatory social responsibility of all citizen of our country in order to optimise the circular management of waste, “ the Minister urges.
He said that the private sector has a critical place in waste management. For example, he stressed that businesses must adopt sustainable practices, reduce packaging, and create products that are easier to recycle.
“They must also take responsibility for the waste their operations generate and engage in partnerships that promote the circular economy.
“I will like to encourage industries and businesses to invest in recycling technologies and to promote environmental education among consumers so that together we can create a system that benefits not just businesses but the environment and society at large.”
A climate change expert, Adewale Adetutu said that water sachets and shopping bags are the major constituents of plastic waste in Nigeria.
He highlighted that markets, households schools including religious places are among routes through which plastic waste are being generated.
He said these remain indirect entry point of plastic waste, particularly into water bodies in the country.
Environmentalist, Mohammed Abubakar attributed part of the challenge to low recycling of plastic waste which he puts at less than 12 per cent of total waste generation.
He advocated that plastic pollution management should start at the primary school level to imbibe the culture in the young ones.
“The low level of recycling is a challenge. There is also inadequate waste collection and all of these remain a major threat to plastic pollution management in Nigeria.”
Analysists canvassed the informal sector participation as crucial in curbing plastic waste menace in Nigeria.
Stakeholders proposed that all hands must on deck adequately manage plastic waste to reduce its toxic impact on the environment, wildlife and subsequently on overall well-being of the country.