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From Cities to Villages A Comparative Study of Waste Management Policies

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From Cities to Villages A Comparative Study of Waste Management Policies

Authors

Izuchukwu Precious Obani, Zino Izu-Obani

Published

Abstract

Waste management is a critical environmental and public health issue that affects both urban and rural communities worldwide. While cities generate vast amounts of waste due to high population density and industrial activity, villages face distinct challenges related to limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and public awareness. This study presents a comparative analysis of waste management policies in urban and rural areas, evaluating their effectiveness, sustainability, and socio-economic impact. The research examines key policy frameworks, waste collection methods, recycling strategies, and technological innovations in both settings. It highlights how cities employ advanced waste treatment technologies, such as smart waste collection systems, waste-to-energy conversion, and large-scale recycling programs, whereas villages rely more on decentralized approaches like community-led waste segregation, organic composting, and informal recycling networks. Through case studies of urban centers such as New York and London and rural communities in India and Scandinavia, the study identifies best practices and areas for policy improvement. Findings suggest that while urban areas benefit from structured regulations and technological advancements, rural communities exhibit higher efficiency in waste reduction through sustainable and locally adaptable methods. However, both systems face challenges, including inadequate public participation, enforcement gaps, and financial constraints. This study underscores the importance of an integrated approach, combining urban technological advancements with rural sustainability practices, to create a hybrid waste management model that enhances efficiency, minimizes environmental impact, and promotes community engagement. It concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable waste management solutions applicable to both cities and villages.

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Evaluating the Success of Circular Economy Models in Reducing Waste: Evidence from Europe…

Chinwe Sheila Nwachukwu, Izuchukwu Precious Obani, Zino Izu…

The circular economy (CE) model has emerged as a transformative strategy for reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and mitigating environmental degradation. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a �take-make-dispose� approach, the circular economy emphasizes waste prevention, material reuse, recycling, and sustainable production. This study evaluates the success of circular economy models in Europe and China, two global leaders in adopting and implementing CE frameworks, to assess their effectiveness in waste reduction and resource management. Europe has taken a policy-driven approach, with comprehensive regulations such as the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the Waste Framework Directive, which have led to significant improvements in recycling rates, landfill reduction, and eco-innovation in product design. The EU�s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and strict waste management regulations have also played a crucial role in reducing industrial and municipal waste, while fostering the development of sustainable business models. On the other hand, China�s circular economy strategy is heavily influenced by industrial symbiosis and large-scale waste-to-resource initiatives, driven by policies such as the Circular Economy Promotion Law and Made in China 2025. China has focused on scaling up circular industrial parks, urban mining, and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling, demonstrating a unique approach that integrates economic development with environmental sustainability. Despite these successes, both Europe and China face persistent challenges in fully realizing circular economy goals. Policy enforcement gaps, economic barriers, and industry adaptation hurdles continue to pose obstacles, while issues related to consumer participation, supply chain integration, and technological advancements remain critical factors influencing long-term success. Additionally, the effectiveness of CE policies varies between different sectors and regions, highlighting the need for localized strategies and adaptive frameworks. This study underscores the necessity of multistakeholder collaboration, involving governments, businesses, and consumers, to enhance circular economy performance. It also highlights key lessons for other nations aiming to transition toward a zero-waste, resource-efficient future. By integrating circular economy principles into global sustainability efforts, CE models can play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and fostering long-term economic resilience. Strengthening global partnerships, investing in innovative technologies, and enhancing regulatory frameworks will be essential for maximizing the potential of circular economy models in achieving a truly sustainable and waste-free world.

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Evaluating the effectiveness of environmental taxes: A Case study of carbon pricing in…

Izuchukwu Precious OBANI, Theresa Ojevwe AKROH

This paper evaluated the effectiveness of environmental taxes and adopted a case study approach which used carbon pricing in the UK as a tool to reducing Greenhouse Gases Emissions. The objectives of the research are to determine the effect of carbon pricing on greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom, evaluate how fossil energy depletion affect greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom and ascertain the effect of total energy consumption from different energy mix on greenhouse gases emissions in the United Kingdom. The paper used an ex post facto research design and the estimated model was estimated using the ordinary least squares regression technique. The data were sourced from different sources and covered the period between 2010 and 2023. The findings of the study revealed that carbon pricing is an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gases emissions in the UK while renewable energy is also a significant tool for reducing greenhouse gases emissions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government should consider increasing the carbon price incrementally over time to ensure that it continues to effectively discourage high-emission activities.

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THE CONCEPT OF FAIR HEARING AND EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES IN NIGERIA HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

Djoma Victor Ovuakporoye, Obani Izuchukwu Precious

Fairness in examinations is a central ethical principle that sustains trust in educational systems and ensures that learners are assessed equitably on the basis of merit. Examination malpractices, however, undermine this principle by distorting assessment outcomes and eroding integrity in both education and society. Such malpractices include impersonation, leakage of questions, bribery, collusion, and the misuse of technology. This paper examines the concept of fairness and the persistence of examination malpractices in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with attention to their ethical, human rights, and developmental implications. The study adopts a critical analytic and descriptive method, drawing on relevant literature, policy documents, and case examples from Nigerian higher institutions to interrogate the underlying causes of examination malpractices and their impact on academic integrity. The paper finds that weak institutional frameworks, poor value orientation, inadequate supervision, and the misuse of digital technologies have deepened the problem, threatening fair assessment, promoting corruption, and undermining students’ learning outcomes. It further observes that although technological tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-proctoring can help to curb malpractice, they require ethical deployment and human accountability. The paper concludes that fostering fairness in examinations requires a combination of value-driven education, transparent policies, accountability among stakeholders, and appropriate technological innovations. Strengthening fairness in assessment is therefore essential for building trust in educational qualifications, promoting integrity, and advancing sustainable development in contemporary society.

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