Exploring the future of plastic recycling industries in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the future of plastic recycling industries in Uganda specifically in Kampala. The study was guided by the following objectives; to analyse challenges faced by plastic recycling industries in order to increase the recycling output in Uganda as specific objective and to study the current collection systems of plastic waste used by recycling industries in Kampala, to determine the amount of plastic waste generated daily within the recycling plant during production, to evaluate the quality of recycled plastic products, and to suggest possible solutions to the problems facing plastic recycling industries in Uganda. Data was collected from 15 respondents comprising of staff (employees) and top management officials at PRUIL and Aquila recycling plant. Interviewing, observation and desk were used to collect data. Data was analysed using Microsoft excel and SPSS version 20 to develop graphs, pie charts and frequency tables. During the survey, it was observed that the recycling industry is facing many of issues related to its future development. Increasing the future quantity of recycling output and the strength of the recycling industry via finding solutions to these issues was identified as the main and the most crucial long term future recycling trend to achieve the theme of the green environment concept. Findings of the study indicated few women involved in the plastic recycling sector especially in recycling plants. Plants were not getting enough plastic waste from different areas due to poor collection systems. Public awareness and commitment lacked for plastic recycling. There was also poor storage of plastic waste at the plants. Findings also indicated plastic waste generation during recycling was on a large scale which needed to be reduced. Also, there was lack of proper sorting methods and improved machinery which affected the quality of plastic flakes. Plants were not meeting the high demand of plastic flakes globally. Buyers of the plastic flakes had complaints about the quality of plastic flakes. The study concluded that poor collection methods, limited public awareness and poor storage of plastic waste greatly affected the amount of plastic waste collected. Poor sorting facilities and machinery also affected the quality of flakes. The study recommended different measures to overcome the challenges faced by recycling industries in order to increase on the recycling output.