UPCYCLING PLASTIC WASTE INTO BUILDING BLOCKS: A SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Environmental degradation, driven by inadequate solid waste management, poses a significant barrier to 
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in rapidly urbanizing cities like Kano Metropolis, 
Nigeria. This study assesses the potential of a circular economy approach, transforming plastic waste into 
durable building blocks, as a sustainable environmental and socio-economic strategy. Employing a mixed
methods design, the research established baseline data through waste composition analysis across low, 
medium, and high-density residential areas and major dumpsites, revealing a household waste generation 
rate of 0.56 kg/person/day and a substantial inorganic fraction (30-40%), dominated by plastics such as 
low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The study 
evaluated low-cost, low-energy upcycling technologies involving shredding, low-temperature melting, and 
compression molding, deemed suitable for inclusive adoption by women and informal waste pickers. A 
stakeholder value chain analysis identified both opportunities (e.g., reduced material costs, new income 
streams) and barriers (e.g., standardization, regulatory approval) for integrating plastic bricks into 
Kano's construction industry. The findings demonstrate that plastic upcycling can simultaneously address 
environmental pollution, reduce construction material costs, and create inclusive livelihoods. The study 
concluded the needs for a framework for implementing this innovation, advocating for policies that 
support circular economy practices, inclusive technology adoption, and the development of performance 
standards for alternative building materials.