Carlene R. Bascom, Isidro Ubaldo Espinosa & Hubert Urlin
Published: November 4, 2020 • Book of Abstracts – Student Research, Volume 1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52377/SHKY2058
Carlene R. Bascom ✉️ Department of Environmental Studies. Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences. University of Guyana –Turkeyen Campus. Greater Georgetown, Guyana.
Isidro Ubaldo Espinosa Faculty of Engineering and Technology. University of Guyana – Turkeyen Campus. Greater Georgetown, Guyana.
Hubert Urlin Construction and Waste Management. Georgetown, Guyana; and Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. Eccles, East Bank Demerara, Guyana.
The present state of improper disposal of waste and the use of traditional methods to deal with waste have resulted in risks to human health and the environment. These risks include air, water, and land pollution. This situation is compounded by the prevalence of polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottles, which are considered stock pollutants. Consequently, there is need for polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottle recycling in the capital city Georgetown. The objective of this study was to justify the need to recycle polyethylene terephthalate; determine advancement opportunities available; and assess the general population’s willingness to recycle. A structured survey of 203 households was conducted in Georgetown, along with stakeholder interviews of local polyethylene terephthalate recyclers, beverage company managers, and local waste management experts. The study identified a clear need to recycle polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottles, and revealed a willingness of respondents to participate in recycling. The study also determined that there may be opportunities to advance polyethylene terephthalate recycling if economic incentives and other enabling conditions are made available to consumers.
Keywords: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottle; recycling
Published: 2020-11-04
eBook: Book of Abstracts – Student Research Volume 1
Section: Waste Management
