Recycling of Plastic Waste in the Sultanate of Oman - Efficiency, Challenges, and Opportunities - Case Study Example

RECYCLING OF PLASTIC WASTE IN THE SULTANATE OF OMAN: EFFICIENCY, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES Name Institution Professor Course Date Recycling of Plastic Waste in the Sultanate of Oman: Efficiency, Challenges, and Opportunities The purpose of this literature review is to focus on the evaluation of recycling of plastic waste in the Sultanate of Oman: efficiency, challenges, and opportunities. This is through focusing on various issues such as plastic history, manufacturing, usage of plastic, types of plastic, plastic pollution, plastic harm in general, plastic impact to the environment, plastic impact to human health, and plastic impact on animals. In addition, the review will focus on the waste management cycle, disposal methods in the Sultanate of Oman, recycling plastic bags, and regulations about recycling in the Sultanate of Oman prior to evaluation of the benefits of recycling. Plastic History Prior to the invention of plastics, the only substances that could undergo moulding were clays and glass. It is essential to note the need for the usage of the hardened clays, as well as glass for the storage purposes. In spite of these developments, it is critical to highlight the fact that the products were heavy and brittle. In addition, there were various natural substances such as the tree gums and rubber, which were mouldable, as well as sticky (Jiang, 2013; Bell & Buckley, 2014). The failures or limitations of the previous storage substances led to the development of the plastics. In 1846, Charles Schonbein discovered a polymer through spilling a nitric acid-sulphuric acid mixture on some cotton. In 1870s, there was the opportunity and platform to use the plastic polymer within the context of the photographic film, dental plates, and Ping-Pong balls. From this perspective, previous researches have been essential in the illustration of the plastic as polymers or large molecules in relation to repeating units of the monomers (Khanlari et al., 2012). It is critical to note that plastics are made of carbon. Similarly, artificial plastics use carbon from oil while biopolymers, as well as bio-plastics focus on the usage of carbon from the natural materials. Plastic Manufacturing There are various processes, which are essential in the course of manufacturing plastics. In the first instance, previous studies have focused on the evaluation of the usage of blow moulding approach (Martin & Leberg, 2011; Chen & Patel, 2011; Andrady, 2015). The process focuses on the blowing of hot air into a pre-formed tube with the intention of expanding the cavity of the tube under the influence of the high-density polythene and polyethylene materials (Abdul-Wahab, 2004). Secondly, researchers have focused on the evaluation of the casting process, which notes the need to pour plastic in liquid form into the open mould towards formation of a plastic. It is also possible to use compression moulding, which is ideal in the addition of a measured amount of material to two-part mould prior to subjection to pressure and heat. Similarly, researchers have focused on the usage of the extrusion, which concentrates on pouring plastic pellets into the heated cylinder through turning screw, which compacts and melts them, as well as forces the melt through the die at the end of the process (Al-Musharafi et al., 2014). The approach is essential in the creation of continuous lengths of shapes in accordance with the desired profile. Furthermore, researchers have focused on the assessment of the influence of fabrication in the course of manufacturing plastics in the global context. Usage of Plastics Like in most areas or locations across the world, plastics continue to play a critical role in the lives of the citizens of Oman. From this perspective, plastics come out as the material, which provides the things consumers need and want under the influence of the unique capabilities to address the specific functional needs for the consumers (Taha et al., 1999; Alhumoud, 2005). In the first instance, the citizens of Oman focus on the usage of plastics for shopping purposes. It is essential to note that plastics are valuable in helping in wrapping various products such as meat, bread, and oil products. In these cases, plastics are essential in making life easier, safer, and healthier. In addition, plastics are critical in the course of packaging in the modern context. For instance, heat-sealed plastic pouches and wraps are essential in keeping food fresh, as well as free of contamination. Plastics are also valuable in the construction or development of homes. The approach contributes to the conservation of energy in various residential homes. The same principles are applicable in the appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators under the influence of insulation to improve the energy effectiveness and efficiency (Taha et al., 2001). Plastics are also vital in the manufacturing of the various mobile devices and TV sets in the case of Oman, thus their massive influence in the modern context. It is appropriate to understanding the influence of the plastics in the transformation of the living conditions with reference to the case of Oman, which relates to the improved package and transportation of numerous products from the shopping areas to the residential homes (Jamrah et al., 2004). Types of Plastics Previous researchers have focused on the assessment of various types of plastics, which are evident in the Sultanate of Oman and other locations in the global context. In the table below, the focus is on the illustration of the types of plastics, which are applicable in the daily activities in the modern context (Jamrah et al., 2008). Plastic Type General Properties Common Household Uses Polythene Terephthalate High heat resistance, hard, tough, solvent resistant, microwave transparency, clear, and good gas, as well as moisture barrier properties Mineral water, beer, and fizzy drink bottles, fibre clothing, strapping, and shampoo, as well as mouthwash bottles High Density Polyethylene Excellent moisture barrier, chemical resistance, soft-waxy surface, permeable to gas, and pigmented bottle stress resistant Detergent and bleach, as well as fabric conditioner bottles, plastic wood, garden furniture, milk and non-carbonated drinks bottles, and compost containers Low Density Polyethylene Waxy surface, tough and flexible, adequate transparency, low melting point, good moisture barrier characteristics, and soft properties Films, flexible bottles, thick shopping bags, wire and cable applications, certain bottle tops, fertiliser bags, and irrigation bags Polyvinyl Chloride Excellent transparency, hard/rigid, long-term stability, low gas permeability, and effective weathering ability Credit cards, carpet backing, floor covering, window and door frames, guttering, pipes and fittings, wire and cable sheathing, and synthetic leather products Polypropylene Strong, high melting point, waxy surface, hard (but flexible), and excellent chemical resistance, and translucent Various bottle tops, yoghurt and different margarine containers, potato crisp bags, drinking straws, hinged lunch boxes, crates, plant pots, and refrigerated containers Polystyrene Glassy surface, hard, brittle, high clarity, rigid or formed, and clear to opaque Egg boxes, yoghurt containers, fast food trays, video cases, seed trays, low cost brittle toys, and coat hangers Plastic Pollution In the modern context, human activities have been essential in treating oceans like trash bins. From this perspective, around 80 percent of marine litter originates on land, thus the major influence of plastics. It is critical to note that plastics, which pollute the oceans and waterways, tend to have severe implications on the environment and performance of the economy. For instance, seabirds, sea turtles, and other marine lives have the tendency of eating marine plastic pollution, thus the trend of dying from choking, starvation, and intestinal blockage. It is critical to note that scientists have focused on the investigation of the long-term implications of the toxic pollutants. In addition, plastics have the tendency of experiencing zero percentage of decomposition. The dumping of the plastic in the landfills continues to affect the environmental outlook. Moreover, such plastics have the tendency of polluting the environment through acting as breeding sites for the various microorganisms. Furthermore, the landfills make the environment filthy, thus severe implications on the drainage systems during the rainy seasons like in the case of Oman. This makes it essential to adopt and implement appropriate mechanisms for the minimisation of the pollution within the region of interest under the influence of the failure of decomposition by plastics. Plastic Harm In the modern context, it is hardly for an individual to look around and fail to spot some time made of plastic ingredient. Plastic products tend to have various disadvantages or limitations, which have been essential in preventing it from becoming the universal building block in relation to the modern human civilisation (Sivan, 2011). Various government and authorities have been on the forefront towards adopting and implementing quality regulations in relation to governing the creation, recycling, and environmental implications of the waste plastics, as well as chemicals vital in the manufacturing process. One of the potential harm of plastics, which has been of great interest to the previous researchers, is the environmental harm. It is essential to note that the ever-increasing plastic production has been critical in the saturation of the world with waste plastic product causing big implications on the environment. Plastics suffer from the durability issues. For instance, it is essential to note that plastic is light, sturdy, and mouldable, but one of the sensational trait of the product is durability. It is vital to note that the decomposition of plastic might take 400 to 1000 years. Plastics also have high chemical risks in the creation and recycling, as well as generation of permanent harm to the metabolism, which generate severe environmental risks or chemical implications on the users. Similarly, plastics contribute to the various choking hazard. It is critical to note that plastic comes out as one of the most popular building materials for the small items. For instance, plastics are vital in the toy industry. Children might unknowingly use these plastic materials or products, thus the eventual choking hazard. From the above analysis, it is essential for the governments to adopt and implement appropriate mechanisms in the course of limiting the negative implications of plastics in the case of Oman, as well as other regions in the global context. In the course of understanding the potential, harm of plastics, previous researchers have focused on the evaluation of the implications of the plastics on animals, environment, and human health. In the first instance, it is essential to note that plastics are detrimental to the human health because of the influence of chemicals in the production and manufacture. Chemicals are applicable in the process of changing the properties of plastics whether to soften them such as in cuddly toys, thus the perfect platform to harden the products (Sivan, 2011). There are three critical paths, which human beings are exposed to such chemical risks or toxins: general environment, food products, ad direct contract with the plastic products. It is essential to note that plastics continue to transform everyday lives evident in the massive increase and annual production in accordance with the demands and expectations of the consumers or target audiences. The real implications of plastic bag litter are felt on wildlife in the marine environment and rural areas. It is essential to note that thousands of the birds, seals, whales, and turtles are killed from the plastic bag litter within the marine environment. Upon ingestion of the plastic bags, it is impossible for the animals to digest or pass the plastic bags, thus the tendency of the products to stay in the gut. There is need for the relevant stakeholders to focus on the adoption and implementation of appropriate environmental policies with the intention of limiting the implications of plastic bags on the animals within the marine environment. One of the potential harm of plastics, which has been of great interest to the previous researchers, is the environmental harm. It is essential to note that the ever-increasing plastic production has been critical in the saturation of the world with waste plastic product causing big implications on the environment. Disposal Methods One of the major challenges facing Sultanate of Oman is the plastic waste management because of the adverse implications on the environment and public environment. In 2010, Oman was able to manufacture 1.6 tons of solid waste for the population of about 3 million inhabitants. According to the previous researchers, solid waste in Oman relates to very high percentages of recyclables: primarily paper (26 percent), plastics (12 percent), metals (11 percent), and glass (5 percent). Nevertheless, the nation is yet to realise the recycling potential of the municipal waste stream. It is critical to note that most of the solid waste is sent to the authorized and unauthorised dumpsites for the disposal, thus the perfect platform for the creation of environment and health issues (Taha et al., 2004; Al Raisi et al., 2014). From this perspective, there are several dumpsites located within the midst of the residential areas or close to the catchment areas in relation to the private and public drinking water bodies. The waste management incidents in Oman relate to lack of collection, as well as effective and efficient disposal facilities. It is essential to note that the citizens and entities have the tendency of depositing plastic wastes in the various landfills across the nation. The nation has more than 350 dumpsites and landfills under the management of the municipalities (Abdul-Wahab, 2008). Similarly, there are various sorts or aspects of unauthorised dumpsites in Oman. These dumpsites are essential in the provision of the perfect platform for the disposal of the sorts of wastes recklessly. Al Amerat landfill comes out as the first engineered sanitary landfill in the context of the Sultanate of Oman. The landfill began its operations in the early 2011, which enables the dumpsite to spread over an area of 9.6 hectares, 5 cells, and the total capacity of the 10 million cubic metres (Mohamedzein et al., 2005). It is essential to note that the landfill has the responsibility of being an example for the future solid waste management projects within the case of Oman. Plastic waste management is one of the top priorities in relation to the Oman government. The government has been on the forefront in the adoption and implementation of the robust strategy with the intention of resolving waste management issue in the Sultanate of Oman. The objective of the government is to strive towards establishment of the 16-engineered landfills, 65 waste transfer stations, and 4 waste management plants in various parts of the nation by the end of this year. Waste Management Cycle (Recycling) According to previous researchers, waste management cycle is an accumulation of various stages and processes with the intention of aiding or facilitating the achievement of effective and efficient disposal of the wastes. In the first instance, the waste management cycle focuses on the need to minimise the consumption of natural resources or the input of the natural resources, which are essential in the production and manufacturing of the plastics and other solid productions. This is vital in the illustration of the first stage relating to reduce (Al-Badi et al., 2009; Al-Badi et al., 2011). Secondly, there is the issue of consumption after production, hence the need to reduce the level of consumption of the products for effectiveness and efficiency in the management of the wastes. Thirdly, there is the process of disposal. From the disposal process, the next step might be consumption or further production, thus the concept of reusing of the product. The next stage of waste management cycle is the treatment or the recycling, as well as incineration. The process might proceed to the final disposal in the landfill under the influence of thermal recycling, as well as the proper disposal. On the other hand, the process might relate to the recycling process to the production or manufacturing stage for effectiveness and efficiency in the management of solid wastes such as plastics. The waste management cycle is essential in the achievement of the goals and targets in relation to sustainable management of the solid wastes with reference to plastics in the case of the Sultanate of Oman. In most cases, manufacturing firms and governmental entities have focused on the development and implementation of appropriate regulations, which are essential in the recycling of the water bottles. This is because of the need to minimise the environmental or health implications of plastics within the case of Oman, as well as other locations in the global context. It is possible to find plastic bottles almost anywhere on the planet earth. This is essential in understanding the massive influence and usefulness, as well as cost-effectiveness and simplicity of the plastic bottles. Recycling refers to the practice of recovering scraps, as well as waste plastic and reprocessing of the materials into new products. It is essential to note that the recycled plastic bottles are an indispensable and ubiquitous part of the daily encounters (Al-Slaibi, 2009; Al-Yaqout & Hamoda, 2003). Most plastic jugs and bottles tend to experience 100 percent recyclability. In addition, the plastic in jugs and bottles are lightweight, flexible, and durable, as well as controversial in relation to the environmental implications following ineffective disposal of the products. From the above image, recycling focusing on the three critical stages: manufacturing/production, consumption, and recycling. These processes are essential in the realisation of the effectiveness and efficiency in the management of the wastes or plastic products following their consumption by the citizens (APHA, 2005). Similarly, previous researchers have also focused on the evaluation of the recycling of the plastic bags with the intention of enhancing sustainability of the production and consumption tends within the plastics industry. It is essential to note that plastic bags, as well as film packaging are recyclable. In most cases, manufacturing firms or production entities focus on recycling of the plastic bags into composite lumber with the intention of generating a wide variety of products. It is also vital to note that the drop-off locations and curbside pick-up programs for the plastics, which are available in various parts of the nation (EPA, 2006; Carter & Gregorich, 2008; Goepel, 2013). These approaches are essential in the pursuit of sustainability in the waste management in the case of the Sultanate of Oman. Recycling in the Sultanate of Oman It is essential to note that Sultanate of Oman does not focus on the execution of massive recycling in relation to the management of plastic wastes following extensive usage by the target audiences. In this context, it is critical to demonstrate that the Sultanate of Oman continue to focus on the recycling of the plastic water bottles. For instance, Masafi & Tanuf, as well as the environmental society of Oman have focused on the utilisation of the active plastic bottle-recycling program (James, 1977; Kabite 2011; Kanmani, 2013). Moreover, previous researchers continue to note the role of the relevant authorities in Oman to concentrate on the recycling of the papers with the objective of limiting ineffective management of the wastes with massive implications on the environment. The Sultanate of Oman also focuses on recycling of the aluminium cans with the intention of limiting various implications of the environment. Oman also focuses on the execution can ring-pulls. These recycling programs focus on the improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency in relation to the management of wastes with reference to plastic products and other solid materials (Sivan, 2011). There is need for Oman to focus on the development and implementation of new approaches, which will aid recycling of the waste products, thus effectiveness and efficiency in the recycling of the plastic materials for sustainable management of wastes in the case of Oman. Omani Landfills Waste is one of the oldest and growing problems in the world in relation to the implications on the environment, human health, and wildlife. One of the predominant methods of disposal in most of the nations is landfilling because of the economic options, as well as potentiality of the approach to allow most solid wastes to undergo decomposition under the influence of controlled conditions. From this perspective, the method is still and expected to be one of the most applicable techniques in the course of disposing solid wastes. In the recent years, Sultanate of Oman has focused on embarking on a major project worth approximately 62 million. This is because of the need to convert 350 uncontrolled ‘dumping sites’ across the nation into high-tech controlled landfill sites. From this perspective, the Sultanate of Oman has 350 landfills, which will undergo gradual replacement with the elements of the Municipal Solid Waste. In the current state, it is essential to note that all kinds or types of waste are dumped in the open field, which tends to generate a stench and other forms of environmental hazards or implications (Sivan, 2011). One of the essential landfills, which has been of great importance to the previous researchers, is the Al Khoudh landfill in the case of Oman. Secondly, previous researchers have also focused on the evaluation and assessment of the influence and role of Al Amerat, which is one of the critical landfills within the region, thus the Sultanate of Oman. Researchers continue to focus on the limitations or ineffectiveness of the landfills towards realisation of the sustainable management of waste. There are also safety issues in the course of recycling products within the case of the Sultanate of Oman. Regulations on Recycling in the Sultanate of Oman Previous researchers have not emphasised effectively and efficiently on the regulations governing the concept of recycling in the case of the Sultanate of Oman. Nevertheless, there has been substantive illustration on the influence and implications of the Royal Oman Decrees in the course of guiding the operations and execution of the concept of recycling. For instance, the decrees focus on the illustration of the role of an individual or business entity towards protection and conversation of the environment. Similarly, there is critical need for the organisations to campaign towards protection and conservation of the environment with the intention of limiting the causes of global warming or pollution of the environment. The approach is essential in the improvement of effectiveness and efficiency in the recycling of the plastics in the case of the Sultanate of Oman. Benefits of Recycling in Oman Recycling comes out as the process of separating, collecting, and remanufacturing or converting the used products into new materials. From this perspective, recycling is a process of various steps towards the production of new products. According to the previous researchers, recycling has many benefits, which can help people while saving the environment against the negative implications. One of the benefits of recycling is the potentiality of the approach to save the planet. From this perspective, recycling will be essential in the protection and conservation of the environment, thus lessening the tendency to cut down trees or consumer natural input in the generation of the products. In addition, recycling is essential in the conservation of energy since it takes less energy in the course of processing the recycled materials in comparison to the processing of the raw materials or virgin components. Similarly, recycling is essential in the mitigating of the global warming under the influence of reduced pollution. Furthermore, recycling is vital in the reduction of the waste products at the various landfills with references to the case of the Sultanate of Oman. Recycling is also essential in the course of enabling people and business entities, as well as other various stakeholders to save financial resources (Li, Jiang, & Zhang, 2015). From this perspective, the Sultanate of Oman can benefit from diversifying financial resources to other infrastructural programs, which will be of great influence in the transformation of the living conditions of the citizens within the region of interest. Challenges of Recycling in Oman In spite of the above benefits and advantages of recycling, there are various challenges in relation to the operations and transactions of the recycling industry. In the first instance, it is critical to note that recycling takes substantive time in the course of sorting and dumping the items (Mayer & Hancox, 2012; Orset et al., 2015). This challenge relates to loss of financial resource since it is the obligation of various stakeholders to pay for the sorting of the items. In addition, it is essential to use dry items in the course of recycling. Similarly, various people are unwilling to dump aluminium cans with liquids in the relevant containers. It is also vital for the relevant authorities to focus on the selection of a convenient location for the bins, as well as recycling dumpsters. Furthermore, recycling demands substantive supply of the recyclable products for the organisation to collect. 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