Management of Polymer Waste Streams in Nigerian Manufacturing Firms: A Case Study of Ogun State Industrial Estates

Effective management of polymer waste streams is a critical operational and regulatory responsibility for manufacturing enterprises in Nigeria, where environmental compliance frameworks are increasingly enforced. This study examines the strategies employed by manufacturing firms located in Ogun State industrial estates, South West Nigeria, in managing polymer waste generated during production operations. A structured survey instrument was administered to operations managers and environmental officers across 45 firms engaged in plastics processing, rubber goods manufacturing, and textile production. Data were collected on waste classification practices, on-site treatment capabilities, material recovery rates, disposal contractor arrangements, and regulatory compliance history. Secondary data from the State Environmental Protection Agency were analysed to assess inspection records and enforcement actions. Results show that 58 percent of surveyed firms employed informal waste separation practices, with only 24 percent maintaining documented waste management plans. Recycling or material recovery was practised by 42 percent of firms, primarily targeting reusable polymer scrap with commercial value. Compliance with mandatory environmental impact assessment requirements for waste disposal was partial among 67 percent of respondents. Regression analysis identified firm size and industry subsector as the primary predictors of waste management sophistication. The study recommends mandatory waste management system certification for industrial operators, capacity building programmes on polymer recycling technologies, and enhanced regulatory enforcement by Ogun State environmental authorities. Findings provide a baseline for designing sector-specific polymer waste governance frameworks in South West Nigeria's manufacturing zone. Keywords: polymer waste management, industrial estate, Ogun State, environmental compliance, manufacturing