EVALUATION OF PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR, NIGERIA
Author(s): Anake, Clement B; Igah, Isor I; Oyen-etta, Linda B.; Ebiowei, Florence; Etok, Blessing S.
Institute(s): Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Calabar
Volume 5 / Issue 2
Abstract
Plastic waste management has become a critical environmental concern globally, with universities contributing significantly to plastic waste generation due to high student populations and diverse campus activities. This study examined plastic waste management practices within the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, with a focus on the types and sources of plastic waste, disposal practices, and institutional efforts towards its management. The study employed a survey research design, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 400 respondents comprising students, staff, and vendors within the university. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that the most commonly generated plastic wastes were water sachets, PET bottles, nylon bags, and disposable food packs, with hostels and cafeterias identified as primary sources. It was observed that while there is a high level of awareness of the environmental hazards of plastic waste, disposal practices remain poor, characterized by littering, burning, and minimal recycling, with institutional waste management efforts considered inadequate by the majority of respondents. The study concludes that effective plastic waste management within the University of Calabar requires a combination of policy enforcement, infrastructure development, and behavioural change among the university community. Based on these findings, the study recommends the following: the establishment of a structured recycling program within the university to reduce plastic waste load; the provision of adequately labeled waste bins across campus to encourage segregation at source; the implementation of sensitization campaigns to improve behavioral change towards proper waste disposal; and the development and enforcement of clear university policies on plastic use reduction and waste management to promote environmental sustainability on campus.
Number of Pages: 13
Number of Words: 5202
First Page: 65
Last Page: 77