Evaluation of the potential economic value of pet bottled water scraps in enugu urban

This paper assessed the potential economic value of PET Bottled Water Scraps (PBWS) that constitute a large proportion of municipal solid waste in Enugu Urban, Nigeria. It investigated the volume and typology of PET Bottled Water (PBW) produced and placed in the market in Enugu Urban and estimated the scale of potential economic value of the Scraps. Field Survey and key informant interviews were utilized to collect primary data on the typology, volume and cost of PBWS. Data collected was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 75cl PBW is more predominate in the market and the potential cumulative economic value of PBWS (50Cl, 75Cl and 150Cl) in 2019 will be N320, 371, 800 and N6.2 billion ($17.2 million) in the next ten years. The paper noted that government investment in PBWS will generate the much needed revenue to finance capital projects in the state while creating employment and sustaining the environment. The paper recommended the investment in recycling infrastructure and integration of scavengers in a formal and legal coordinated collection and management of PBWS to optimize its economic potential and mitigate its environmental externalities.