Promoting a Circular Economy through Plastic Recycling: Feasibility and Environmental Impact of Plastic Brick Use in Abuja, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental threat due to the non-biodegradable nature of plastics. Plastics persist for hundreds to thousands of years and contribute significantly to air, soil, and water contamination. With Nigeria facing increasing plastic waste generation driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and inefficient waste management systems, this research investigates the feasibility of recycling plastic waste into plastic bricks as a pathway to advancing a circular economy.

Using a mixed-methods approach that combined an extensive literature review with interviews across the recycling, real estate, and finance sectors, the study assessed the environmental benefits, socio-economic impact, and adoption potential of plastic bricks as a construction material in Abuja. Evidence from previous studies indicates that plastic bricks reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by limiting fossil-fuel and cement use, while also preventing landfilling and open burning of plastic waste. Their superior physical properties including compressive strength of 2700 kgf/cm², moisture content of 0.74%, and water absorption of 0.92%, demonstrate that plastic bricks outperform conventional sandcrete blocks in strength, durability, heat resistance, seismic stability, and cost-effectiveness.

The findings show that Abuja’s housing deficit, exacerbated by high building costs and pressure from internally displaced persons (IDPs), can be partially alleviated through the adoption of plastic bricks, which are up to 34% cheaper than conventional bricks. However, widespread acceptance requires stakeholder sensitisation, supportive government policies, and targeted investments from both public and private sectors.

The study concludes that plastic brick technology presents a viable solution to Nigeria’s plastic waste challenge and offers an opportunity to promote affordable housing, stimulate green jobs, support climate commitments, and catalyse sustainable socio-economic transformation in Abuja and beyond.