Proliferation of Plastic Packaging and Its Environmental Impacts at the Commune of Agoè-Nyivé 4 in Togo

Ibrahim Batcham, Djiwonou Koffi Adjalo (), Koko Zébéto Houedakor, Komlan Kounon Etienne Tede and Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou
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Ibrahim Batcham: Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo
Djiwonou Koffi Adjalo: Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo
Koko Zébéto Houedakor: Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo
Komlan Kounon Etienne Tede: Research Laboratory on Spaces Exchanges and Human Security (LaREESH), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo
Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou: Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo

Waste, 2025, vol. 3, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: The overconsumption of plastic packaging has alarming repercussions on the environment, notably through waste accumulation in public spaces and clogged drains. This study identifies factors driving plastic proliferation, analyzes their impacts, and proposes strategies for sustainable waste management. A cross-sectional design combined document review, field observations, and interviews with 156 households and 24 informants. Descriptive statistics characterized consumption patterns and service access. Impacts were assessed through litter hotspots, blocked drains, flood-prone points, and reported health risks. Households used five to six plastic bags daily, while collection coverage remained below 50%, sustaining persistent leakage. Findings reveal excessive reliance on plastics, shaped by technical, social, and institutional gaps, including weak segregation and limited pre-collection. Agoè-Nyivé 4, a fast-growing peri-urban commune within Greater Lomé, faces limited services but high consumption, making it a relevant case for rapidly growing municipalities. Yet the population often adopts counterproductive practices, hampering responsible waste management. A policy mix is outlined: expanding pre-collection and door-to-door services, integrating informal collectors, and targeted community sensitization. Without urgent interventions, plastic leakage will intensify environmental degradation, flooding, and health risks. The study recommends integrated policy measures to curb single-use dependence and foster a local circular economy.

Keywords: plastic packaging; plastic waste; environment; Agoè-Nyivé 4; awareness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q16 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q28 Q3 Q31 Q38 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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