Plastic waste dynamics and governance challenges in urban Malawi

Plastic pollution in rapidly urbanising Sub-Saharan African cities remains poorly quantified in terms of its spatial distribution, behavioural drivers, and governance constraints. This study addresses this gap by integrating field-based waste quantification with socio-behavioural analysis across three major Malawian cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu. Specifically, the study, (1) quantifies plastic waste volume and spatial variation; (2) assesses public awareness, attitudes, and behaviours; and (3) evaluates institutional and infrastructural constraints in plastic waste management. A total of 27,574 plastic items (173.41 kg) were recorded across 30 sites. While localised high-accumulation areas were observed, there were no statistically significant differences across the cities (F(2,27) = 1.43, p = 0.257) or site types (p = 0.693), indicating system-wide distribution rather than spatially isolated hotspots. Waste composition was dominated by single-use plastics (bags: 42.6%; sachets: 34.1%). The survey results (n = 1,101) revealed high awareness (97.7%) and concern (> 90%), yet low recycling (4.5%) and limited policy awareness (29.3%), highlighting a pronounced awareness-behaviour gap. Regression analysis indicates that structural factors particularly location and infrastructure access outweigh socio-demographic variables in shaping behaviour. The low recycling rate is primarily constrained by limited infrastructure and access, rather than lack of willingness. These findings demonstrate that plastic pollution is systemically embedded, driven by interacting consumption patterns, infrastructural limitations, and governance constraints. The study provides novel mixed-methods evidence linking spatial measurements with behavioural and institutional dynamics, and identifies context-specific interventions, including decentralised recycling systems, market-based plastic reduction strategies, and Extended Producer Responsibility mechanisms tailored to informal urban economies.