DEVELOPMENT DRIVERS OF WASTE RECYCLING IN NSUKKA URBAN AREA, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This article examines drivers of waste recovery and recycling in the informal waste sector in Nsukka urban area of Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria. Data on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of waste pickers and waste dealers in the area were obtained using questionnaire survey, ethnographic interviews and field observations. Analyses of the data indicate that waste pickers play a crucial role in the waste recovery and recycling process. Waste dealers add value to materials through sorting, cleaning and processing, and also provide a vital link between waste pickers and industry. The article contextualizes waste recycling activities within the development and socio-cultural framework of the region, and examines socio-economic and demographic attributes that tend to predispose individuals to making a living from the recycle trade .Contributions of the informal recycling sector in Nsukka towards the Millennium Development Goals are also examined.Informal sector; Millennium Development Goals; Nsukka; recycling; socio-demographic attributes