Minimizing the Negative Externality from Sachet Water Consumption in Nigeria

Abstract

Over the years, there has been a consistent increase in the production and use of plastic and sachet packaged products in Nigeria which results in a proportional increase in plastic and Nylon waste pollution in the environment. An earlier survey show that the introduction of sachet water in the country some years ago worsened the situation as it contributes to more than 60% of the sachet pollution. This study therefore tried to find out an efficient and sustainable means of collecting the used sachet water bags to minimize its negative external impact on the environment. It was carried out using primary data collected through direct interview from a sample of 1500 individual in some selected states in the Country. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Log-log regression model. The results of the analysis show that PPP method can be effective in managing the menace. Majority of the sampled individuals are of the opinion that a 100% PPP levy will be a sufficient motivation for sachet water users to return their used sachet water bags to the appropriate collection sites in return for their levy or for the trash pickers to collect them for an equivalent payment.

Keywords: Sachet water, biodegradable, Pollution, Externality, Plastic Polluter Pay (PPP)