Challenges and Opportunities of Water Bottle PlasticWaste Collection Work in Hawassa City,Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim: The study aims to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with the collection of water bottle plastic waste in Hawassa City, Ethiopia.
Study Design:The research employs a descriptive cross-sectional study design, which involves the collection and analysis of data at a single point in time. This approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the current status of water bottle plastic waste collection in Hawassa City by capturing a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities faced by the stakeholders involved.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, over six days from August 1 to August 7, 2024.
Methodology: Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaire were collected from 123 recycled water bottle plastic waste collectors and interview were made with municipal officials. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, to identify key challenges and opportunities.
Results: The findings reveal that the primary challenges in plastic collection include low public awareness, and lack of government support. Many people throw away their bottles instead of keeping in a constant place, leading to pollution environmental harm. In some areas, plastic bottles are illegally dumped in large quantities, creating environmental hazards and making collection difficult. Bottles exposed to the elements can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other harmful substances, making them unsuitable for recycling.However, opportunities such as the abundant supply, growing demand for recycled materials,reduced landfill burden, and the potential for income generation were identified.
Conclusion: The study concludes that while there are significant challenges in the collection of recycled water bottle plastics in Hawassa City, there are also substantial opportunities that can be leveraged to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the recycling process. The study recommends increased government involvement, public awareness campaigns, and investment in recycling infrastructure to address the identified challenges.