Management of Plastic Waste in a Refugee Camp, Environmental Challenges and Issues: Case of the Minawao Refugee Camp (Cameroon)

Abstract

The arrival of refugees in a country increases the difficulty of managing plastic waste. The problem of recycling plastic waste remains a major challenge for the global community, especially in developing countries like Cameroon. This study examined the use of plastic waste by refugees to understand their knowledge of local plastic waste management. To do this, a socio-economic survey was carried out in the refugees' households. This survey provided an insight into the plastic waste management practice in the camp. The survey revealed that the refugees in Minawao do not have enough knowledge about the importance of plastic waste management. These refugees throw plastic waste in rivers, at the roadside or form a dustbin near the house. It has been noticed in the Minawao refugee camp that the harmful effects of plastic waste are beginning to be visible. The reduction of environmental pollution in this camp requires awareness raising and training of refugees on plastic waste management, promotion of sustainable plastic waste management technologies, and funding of plastic waste management projects. These measures should be the individual responsibility of each actor for a participatory management. The initiation of local projects in the manufacture of plastic paving stones and bricks can reduce the proliferation of plastic waste in nature. The action of local and international companies and the environmental policy of Cameroon are all necessary to prevent environmental disaster. These measures need to be extended to all towns bordering Minawao.