AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF RECYCLING AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The increasing production of trash, fuelled by urbanisation, population expansion, and economic progress, has made waste management a pressing concern on a worldwide scale. Based on the World Bank's findings, if present patterns persist, worldwide trash production is expected to rise by 70% by 2050, placing significant strain on current waste treatment infrastructures (Kaza et al., 2018). Managing garbage in underdeveloped nations, such as Nigeria, is especially difficult due to insufficient infrastructure, limited financial resources, and weak regulatory frameworks. These factors contribute to inefficient waste management techniques (Ogwueleka, 2022). Recycling has become an essential element of sustainable waste management, providing a practical answer to the increasing garbage problem. Recycling is a process that transforms waste materials into reusable resources. This practice has many benefits, including reducing the amount of garbage that is disposed of in landfills, preserving natural resources, and minimising environmental damage (Al-Rumaihi et al., 2023). The adoption of a circular economy, characterised by the continual reuse and recycling of resources, has gained momentum as a solution to the environmental and economic issues related to waste management (Ghisellini et al., 2016). Nevertheless, the execution of recycling programs exhibits significant disparities across various locations. Developed nations have implemented extensive recycling systems, which are backed by robust regulatory frameworks and active public involvement (Sahu et al., 2022). Conversely, several underdeveloped nations, like as Nigeria, have substantial obstacles when it comes to implementing efficient recycling methods. The obstacles include inadequate public knowledge, deficient infrastructure, and insufficient government backing, resulting in the persistent dependence on conventional garbage disposal techniques like landfilling and open burning (Ogwueleka, 2022). Cameroon's waste management system exhibits inefficiencies and environmental dangers, as metropolitan areas grapple with the increasing trash volume. Annually, the nation produces almost 15 million tonnes of garbage, but only a small portion is effectively handled via recycling or other sustainable approaches (Adewale, 2021). The current circumstances have resulted in significant environmental deterioration, including the contamination of water bodies, air pollution, and the widespread occurrence of illicit dumping sites (Adewale, 2021). Therefore,  the researcher sought to investigate  the use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The management of waste has become a more urgent concern in contemporary countries as a result of the fast process of urbanisation, industrialisation, and population expansion. The conventional approaches of garbage disposal, such as landfilling and incineration, are both unsustainable and provide substantial environmental and public health hazards (Al-Rumaihi et al., 2023). Waste buildup at landfills leads to soil and water pollution, while incineration emits dangerous pollutants into the air, worsening climate change and air quality problems (Sahu et al., 2022).  Recycling, the process of transforming waste materials into useful resources, has become a possible substitute for traditional trash disposal techniques. The promise of this solution lies in its ability to diminish the amount of garbage that is disposed of in landfills, preserve valuable natural resources, and mitigate the release of greenhouse gases (Kaza et al., 2018). The efficacy of recycling programs varies considerably across various places, frequently as a result of obstacles such as poor infrastructure, limited public knowledge, and inadequate government regulations (Ghisellini et al., 2016). Recycling as a waste management method in Cameroon is still limited, with many communities still depending on unsustainable practices (Ogwueleka, 2022). The efficacy of recycling programs in Cameroonian cities is of utmost importance in tackling the nation's waste management issue. However, there is a dearth of thorough research assessing the present condition of recycling initiatives and their impact.  Hence, the study investigate the use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the use of recycling c. The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the level of recycling practices in Cameroon

To identify the factors influencing the use of recycling as a means of waste management in cameroon

To identify the challenges to the effective use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in cameroon

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the level of recycling practices in Cameroon?

What are the factors influencing the use of recycling as a means of waste management in cameroon?

What are the challenges to the effective use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

One of the most significant contributions of this study is to policymakers as its potential to inform strategies that could significantly reduce the environmental burden of waste in Cameroon.  Revealling the factors that influence the success of recycling programs, this research could lead to the development of more effective recycling initiatives, ultimately reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. This has the potential to mitigate pollution, conserve natural resources, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.  The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in cameroon. Empirically, the study will objectives is as follows assess the level of recycling practices in Cameroon, identify the factors influencing the use of recycling as a means of waste management in cameroon and To identify the challenges to the effective use of recycling as an effective means of waste management in cameroon.

Geographically, the study is delimited to centre region, Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into new, reusable products. Recycling helps to reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, minimize energy usage, and decrease pollution associated with waste disposal.

Waste Management: The systematic process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, or disposing of waste materials. It involves the control of waste generation, handling, and treatment to minimize environmental and health impacts.

Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. It contrasts with a linear economy, which typically follows a 'take, make, dispose' model, by encouraging resource efficiency through recycling, reuse, and sustainable practices.

Landfill: A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial. Landfilling is one of the oldest forms of waste treatment but poses significant environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainability: The ability to maintain or improve systems and processes without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment. In waste management, sustainability involves practices that reduce waste generation, enhance recycling, and minimize environmental impact.

Environmental Pollution: The contamination of the natural environment by harmful substances, often as a result of human activities. Pollution can affect air, water, and soil quality, and poses risks to human health and biodiversity.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change. Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which can be produced through waste decomposition and incineration.

Public Awareness: The level of knowledge and understanding that the general population has about a particular issue, such as recycling and waste management. Public awareness is crucial for the successful implementation of environmental policies and practices.