COMBINING EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) AND DEPOSIT REFUND SYSTEM (DRS) POLICY FOR HIGHER RECOVERY AND RECYCLING OF PLASTIC BOTTLES AND SACHET WATER WASTE: APPLICATION OF VENDING MACHINE AND DESIGNATED RETURN DEPOT CENTRE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Waste management (Plastic, PET Bottle, Can, and Glass Bottle, mostly from drink and beverage packages) is an important issue in today's world, as the volume of waste increases daily. This is especially important in developing countries like Nigeria, where there are no strong institutionalized frameworks for waste management, and as a result, increasing waste poses a threat to human well-being. Given the increase in population in these countries, it is necessary to adopt sustainable and practical solutions. Especially in Lagos, where the environmental problem of plastic waste is on the rise. Although the government is making commendable efforts to reduce the increasing volume of plastic waste in the state, they are insufficient, as it has been reported that plastic waste accounts for 15% of total waste volume according to the Lagos state waste characterization index. However, with the rise in various environmental problems caused by plastic waste, this paper proposed combining the extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit refund system (DRS) to achieve a high rate of recovery and recycling of waste plastic bottles and sachets. The innovative approach used green technology (vending machine) as well as indigenous knowledge are practical solutions in Lagos state. The paper is also significant because it intends to implement the developed solution in a dense urban and rural setting in Lagos, which can be replicated in other states in Nigeria. Furthermore, the components discussed in this paper are elements that allow the proposed concept to function effectively and efficiently. The proposed concept will serve as a link between Lagos and Nigeria's current linear economy and the future circular economy of plastic production and management.