Circular Economy: Exploring the Adoption of Second-Hand Items on Peer-to-Peer E-Commerce Platforms in Nigeria

Abstract

The rising global emphasis on sustainability has brought the circular economy model into sharp focus, promoting reuse, recycling, and resource regeneration to reduce waste and environmental harm. This study investigates the adoption of second-hand items on peer-to-peer (P2P) e-commerce platforms in Nigeria as a means of entrenching circular economy practices. Specifically, it explores demographic influences and consumer motivations shaping recommerce, a growing trend of reselling pre-loved items online. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 500 respondents via structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were employed to analyze the relationship between demographic variables and second-hand item adoption, and to determine whether factors such as environmental awareness, perceived value, trust, and social reasons significantly influence adoption decisions. The findings offer practical insights for e-commerce platform designers, policymakers, and sustainability advocates. By targeting key demographic groups and emphasizing platform-wide values such as affordability, trust, and eco-consciousness, recommerce platforms in Nigeria can scale adoption and contribute meaningfully to circular economy goals. The study underscores the untapped potential of P2P e-commerce in Nigeria as a catalyst for sustainable consumption and waste reduction.

Keywords

• Circular economy
• Recommerce
• Second-hand items
• Peer-to-peer (P2P) e-commerce

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