COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF LIFECYCLE ASSESSMENT OF PLASTIC WASTE PROCESSING IN KWARA STATE

ABSTRACT Kwara State faces significant challenges in managing plastic waste (PW) sustainably and effectively, leading to increased disease prevalence and diverse adverse environmental impacts, primarily terrestrial and marine pollution. A total of approximately 49,000 tons of PW, from both domestic generation and imports, enters the state's system. This study employed a life cycle assessment (LCA) to clarify the associated environmental impacts of managing 1 kg of PW within Kwara State's waste management system. It was found that over 95% of PW ended up in open dumpsites, with about 60% openly burned. This practice significantly impacts ecotoxicity and global warming categories—contributing to 5.49 kg of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) for terrestrial ecotoxicity, 4.99 kg of 1,4-DCB for human non-carcinogenic ecotoxicity, and 1.57 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq) for global warming potential. The findings provide a quantitative baseline understanding of PW management impacts in the region, helping to identify key junctures and opportunities that can inform and enable the development of policies and strategies for a sustainable PW management system.