Understanding Segregation and Recycling Practices of Tin Cans and Plastic Bottles in the Household, Municipality, and Agency in Zanzibar

Abstract

This study seeks to understand waste handling and disposal practices, including hindering segregation and recycling plastic bottles and tin cans in Zanzibar. Focusing specifically on the household, schools, collectors, pickers, key informants, and recycling agencies in Zanzibar, the study uncovered the factors that influence the separation and selling of empty plastic bottles and tin cans from households to recycling agencies in Zanzibar. Therefore, this study was done to understand the current practices on waste recycling, agencies involved, and barriers to market penetration from households to recycling agencies. Data were collected from 60 household surveys, focus group discussions with secondary school students and NGOs, in-depth interviews with key informants, and systematic observations in the households, recycling agencies, and collectors. The findings show that waste is generally not separated in households, among collectors and Zanzibar Municipality Council. The study identifies a lack of proper education, poor knowledge of law and policy enforcement, insufficient capital, limited storage warehouses, and an unstable recycling market among the major challenges to sustainable plastic bottle handling and tin can waste. To encourage tin can and plastic bottle users to separate their waste and hand in their plastic bottles and tin cans for recycling, the study recommends some suggestions to improve the situation such as the provision of proper education and loan, law enforcement, promotion of environmental clubs, as well as the creation of a more stable market for the recycling agents.