Need-driven Research Towards Plastic Recycling in Nigeria for Health, Wealth and Green Environment

Abstract

Need driven research is required for plastic recycling in most nations of the world for greener environment and national development. Plastics are cheap, lightweight and versatile materials that can be conveniently formed into a variety of items and are used in a wide range of applications. This study
examined plastic recycling in Nigeria for achievement of health, wealth and better environment.Methodology includes literature review and investigation of various plastic disposal sites. It was observed that the production of plastics has risen dramatically over the last 60 years. However, current
levels of their usage and disposal create several environmental problems. Approximately 4 per cent of world oil and gas production, a non-renewable resource, is used as feedstock for plastics and a further 3–4 percent is expended to provide energy for their manufacture. A large portion of plastic
manufactured each year is used to make disposable pieces of packaging or other short-lived items that are disposed off within one year of manufacture. These two findings alone prove that the current use of
plastics is not sufficient. Unfortunately, it is a sector that is highly neglected in our country and there are issues linked to lack of knowledge or incompetence of the government.. It was concluded that needdriven
research should be adapted to plastic recycling for health, wealth, greener environment, national development and sustainable development.