RE-USE AND RE-CYCLING OF AUTOMOBILE PLASTICS – A STEP TO MANAGE PLASTIC WASTE IN GHANA, A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
ABSTRACT
The main aims of this thesis were to identify the disposal and management of cars plastics part after use, find out the effect plastic waste brings to the Ghanaian environment and to identify measures of improving plastics waste management in the automotive sector, (end-of-life vehicle in accordance with European union deritives). Analysis the benefits of re-using or recycling of plastic waste in Ghana. This thesis done with a qualitative analysis by interviews and observations and was found that, most old plastics parts are usually re-used and that there were very little to do with recycling as Ghana did not have manufacturing car company plants. The plastics which are out of use and are beyond repairs are dumped at landfills. The thesis talks also of end of life vehicles legislation in the European Union and tried to find better ways of improving the waste in accordance with the EU directives. The internet has been main source for this thesis as most of the issues are global. The conclusion shows that, Ghana could solve plastic waste from automobiles if government bodies, companies and individuals adapt to change. As the main problem was found to be the attitude of the people and lack of education.
1 Introduction
The use of plastics has seen a tremendous increment from domestic household through agricultural to industrial application; one industrial application is in the automobile industry. The advancement seen in technology in the world today can be attributed to the evolution of plastics which has made most of these possible. Examples of such are credits cards, computers, modern range of television, compact disc not forgetting the countless contributions in the health sector like implants, capsules, dissolvable bags to wash infected and dirty clothes, respiratory machines and accessories.. There have been many concerns raised about the danger plastics imposed on our community from domestic, commercial and industry sectors.
1.1 Aims and Objectives
The main objectives of this thesis are to:
- a)Identify the disposal and management of car plastics part after use.
- b)Find out the effect plastic waste brings to the Ghanaian environment.
- c)Identify mesures of improving plastics waste management in the automotive sector, (end-of-life vehicle in accordance with European union deritives).
- d)Analysis the benefits of re-using or recycling of plastic waste in Ghana.
