Abstract

The growing waste management crisis in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has necessitated the adoption of circular economy models to transform waste into economic resources. This study evaluates the effectiveness of circular economy approaches, such as waste sorting, recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy initiatives, in promoting sustainable waste management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations. A total of 250 respondents, including waste management officials, recycling firms, and households, were sampled using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a high level of awareness (average 64%) but a low adoption rate (average 30%) of circular economy models, primarily due to inadequate infrastructure, weak policy enforcement, and financial constraints. Statistical analyses confirmed a significant correlation between awareness and adoption levels (r = 0.72, p < 0.05), while regression results indicated that government support (β = 0.45) and public awareness (β = 0.39) were strong predictors of circular economy adoption. Additionally, recycling activities contributed significantly to job creation and income generation, reinforcing the socio-economic benefits of circular economy implementation. The study recommends targeted government policies, improved recycling infrastructure, and increased public-private partnerships to enhance circular economy adoption. Public awareness campaigns and community-based waste management initiatives should be prioritized to drive behavioral change. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on circular economy applications in Nigeria, offering a policy-relevant framework for sustainable waste management.