Socio-Economic Factors Associated With Sachet Waste Collection In Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Sachet water is widely consumed in Nigeria because of its affordability and convenience, but its single use plastic packaging contributes to urban waste management problems. At the same time, informal collection of recyclable plastics provides an income generating activity for urban residents. This study examines the socio economic factors associated with willingness to participate in sachet waste collection and the level of daily gain obtained from the activity in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. The study used cross sectional survey data collected in 2026 from respondents across four purposively selected Local Government Areas of Kano Metropolis. A total of 291 questionnaires were received, of which 290 complete observations were used for the regression analysis. A binary logistic regression model was estimated for willingness to participate, while an ordered logistic regression model with robust standard errors was estimated for daily gain, classified as low, moderate and high. The participation model was statistically significant based on the joint Wald test (χ²(10)=48.04; p< 0.001; pseudoR²=0.0942). Age 21-25 was associated with 2.51 times the odds of being in a higher gain category (p=0.040), while age 26 years and above was associated with lower odds (OR=0.19; p=0.001). Primary education was marginally associated with higher gain (OR=1.55; p=0.094), whereas secondary education was not statistically significant (OR=2.47; p=0.101). Gender was not statistically significant in either model. The proportional odds assumption was not rejected (Wald χ²(6)=5.10; p=0.531). The findings indicate that sachet waste collection is both an environmental recovery activity and an informal livelihood activity whose participation and returns varies across socio economic characteristics. The study recommends designated collection points, predictable buying arrangements, support for collector cooperatives and practical skills development to improve the safety and economic returns of informal sachet waste collection.