Scrap Metal Scavenging: Consumer Market, Consumer Buying Behaviour and the Environment

The study was conducted to investigate youth’s involvement in scrap metal scavenging. It aimed at identifying the marketing activities involved in scavenging of scrap metals. It also aimed at determining the impact of scrap metal scavenging on the environment. The data for the research was collected from one hundred youths in four purposively selected cities of Southwestern Nigeria. The respondents were selected using random sampling method. The variables of interest were measured using Likert-scale. Data was collected using pre-tested and validated structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and taped recording methods. Descriptive analysis such as frequency distribution and percentages were used to describe the variable tested. Inferential statistical tools were also used to analyse the relationship existing between the variables. The results revealed that the youth were favourably disposed to scrap metal scavenging. It was also revealed that marketing was involved in the business. The result further revealed that though metal scavenging was viable and economical, the environmental impact was positive. The study concluded that metal scavenging is key to getting cheaper raw materials for steel industries. Consequently, government should encourage the scavengers by formalizing the group and providing them with soft loans to buy and sell the scraps scavenged.