Geo-spatial mapping of plastic waste recycling plants in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study adopted a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach to map and assessed the geographic distribution of plastic waste recycling facilities in Kano Metropolis. Specifically, the study aimed at creating an inventory for the Kano Metropolis plastic waste recycling facilities and investigating its distribution pattern. Data collected on the plastic waste recycling centers were obtained from Kano State Ministry of Commerce and a field survey. Global Positioning System (GPS) was then utilized to record the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of each plastic recycling facility. The nearest neighbor analysis of the research area's plastic garbage was conducted using the data collected. Results obtained indicate that there were Seventy-eight (78) spatially dispersed plastic recycling plants throughout Kano Metropolis, and the observed mean distance between them was about 750 m, compared to an expected mean distance of about 3030 m. The distribution of recycled plastics showed a weakly clustered pattern with the nearest neighbor distance smaller than 1 (0.22). To illustrate the boundaries separating locations for future detailed spatial studies of the spatial pattern of recycling businesses, it is recommended that a thorough mapping of the plastic recycling plants be done. Since most recycling facilities in Kano Metropolis are not legally recognised, the government should identify and keep an eye on them to ensure that environmental laws and regulations are being followed.