Use of campus plastic pet (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles in the construction of a mini student relaxation hub at the college of education, Ilorin: A waste-to-wealth reusing approach

Abstract

The methodology used in the study is Re-using approach among the three "Rs" of waste management, the study specifically aims to construct a prototype building that will serve as a students' relaxation hub using the campus waste "Polyethylene Terephthalate" (PET) littering around, as well as to evaluate the durability of the relaxation hub constructed with waste plastics for future recommendations on plastic reusing as a means of managing waste globally. Plastics are a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). Plastics were significant constituents of MSW categories in our environments. The human population is increasing, and the consistent demand for plastic products is responsible for the continuous increase in the production of plastics; hence, the generation of plastic waste is higher. Therefore, plastic waste forms a larger percentage of the sources of environmental pollution in Nigeria. The hazardous chemical constituents of the plastic (PET) and its effects on environmental and public health are a major concern to public health practitioners and environmentalists. Finding shows that improper disposal of waste plastics and open-air burning do lead to the release of very harmful chemicals into the environment, thereby causing public health hazards. It is imperative for every civilized society to find a lasting solution to these problems. It was concluded from this that plastic bottles can be used as building blocks for small-scale economical construction; hence, this practically implies that, the secondary function of waste plastic bottles.