Ceramic Waste Management and Recycling Strategies in Nigeria

The swift expansion of urban centers in Nigeria as well as the corresponding growth of industrial ceramic production, has heralded a significant rise in ceramic waste generation without a corresponding sufficient management infrastructure. This article examines the current state of ceramic waste management in Nigeria, while examining existing practices and proposing sustainable recycling strategies tailored to the country’s socioeconomic setting. It was discovered that about 85% of ceramic waste is still wrongly disposed of in landfills and/or unauthorized dumpsites, contributing to environmental degradation and loss of potentially valuable resources. It was found that the key obstacles to effective ceramic waste management were, but not limited to: inadequate regulatory enforcement; poor waste collection systems; and deficient prospective recycling awareness among practitioners. The study presents evidence-based strategies for ceramic waste exploitation; incorporation into construction materials; road base applications; and local artisan reuse. These recycling strategies have the capacity to generate over 15,000 jobs while reducing landfill pressure by approximately 40%. A framework for policy reform that emphasizes extended producer responsibility, incentivizes private sector investment in recycling facilities, and promotes community-based recycling initiatives were also recommended. By adopting these integrated approaches, Nigeria can transform ceramic waste from an environmental menace into a viable economic resource while addressing waste management challenges.