Pay as you throw; an exploratory study on a market-based approach to the environmental problems caused by public littering in Nigeria

This paper provides an overview of environmental policy research focusing on market-based instruments, and their applicability to developing countries, in particular Nigeria. It also addresses more general developments in the field of deposit-refund systems (DRSs) and explores the practicality of a DRS to litter management in Nigeria. A prominent theme of our discussion is economic instruments, where different approaches will be explored to understand the link between compliance and neglect inherent in environmental issues of a developing country such as Nigeria. Where the objective is to reduce littering, a DRS was considered the choice for the framework of this study, after researches detailed its benefits and relevance to the research problem. DRS is subsequently discussed as a policy intervention, and the feasibility of introducing the system in Nigeria is evaluated. By understanding the implementation mechanisms, the economic viability and environmental effectiveness of a DRS, it is concluded that a DRS can support a country’s drive to solve some of its pressing issues of environmental concerns even with the bare minimum of government administration. The consolidation of information from this research can kick-start the conversation on ways to incorporate this system as part of Nigeria’s solid waste management policy.