THE IMPACT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODELS IN ENHANCING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY IN MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the effect of circular economy models on solid waste management efficiency in municipal systems in Plateau State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, and repair practices on waste management efficiency. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 52 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using multiple regression. The findings revealed that all dimensions of circular economy models refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, and repair have a positive and statistically significant effect on solid waste management efficiency. Among these, recycling emerged as the most influential predictor, followed by reuse and reduction practices. The regression result further indicated that circular economy variables collectively account for a substantial proportion of variation in waste management efficiency. The study recommends that municipal authorities should integrate circular economy principles into waste management policies, invest in recycling infrastructure, and promote waste reduction and reuse practices to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.