Barriers Influencing Implementation of Plastic Recycling Process: A Case of Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In current situation, problems related to municipal solid waste management is much vital and it is necessary to develop habits of recycling.  It is better to commercialize for developing sustainable development of municipal solid waste management system. Level of waste and pollution is increasing due to advanced technology, an increasing number of people and a high expansion rate of modernization.Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the most influential barriers that affect the implementation of the plastic recycling system in Dire Dawa city. Research Approach: The research was conducted based on the evaluation and reviewing of some literatures related to the topic on the back flow of materials from end-users to upper streams. Empirical research was also conducted. The questionnaires were designed on 13 imperative obstacles for the backward movement has been acknowledged. This can be later developed and discussed through the model called MICMAC investigation and carried out subsequently. Finding: This research analysis shows that, around 3,585, 893.5 plastic bottles/week has been collected for recycling and the city has obtained an economic advantage of around $160,297.824 monthly. To attain this economic advantage, top management plays a great role followed by the creation of awareness regarding this area as an interpretive structural model (ISM) result has showed. Originality/Value: this work is one of the few and pioneering efforts to investigate ISM practices that used to identify the most barriers affecting the recycling system of plastic material in the Dire Dawa city. Conclusion: This research forward suggestions that can help to solve the process, problems and ensure an effective recovery system, to achieve economic advantage and protect the environment from the adverse effects caused by solid waste thrown here and there in the city.

Keywords: Interpretive Structural Model, Municipal Solid Waste, Reachability matrix, Recycling, Structural self-interaction matrix

DOI: 10.7176/IEL/10-3-01

Publication date: November 30^th 2020