Developing an Option for Sustainable Plastic Waste Programme in Ghana

Abstract

Urbanization and continuous economic growth of Accra municipality have resulted in rapid increase in volume and types of solid waste. This thesis provided a consolidated data on municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, as well as data on plastic waste component of the MSW which is quite problematic. The total amount of waste collected during the study period of one month was 6857.1 kg and an average of 685.68 kg per day. The study results show that the total amount of 2,516,823.3 kg of solid waste is generated in the municipality for the period of one month which translate to an average of 83,894.11 kg of MSW generated daily. Accra, the capital city of Ghana is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. This has led to the daily generation of about 2,000 tons of municipal waste. Accra faces a situation in which plastics, the second largest component of waste produced is disposed of primarily through dumping and landfills although plastics do not decompose. However, recycling which is a preferable alternative for disposing of plastics and a profitable industry accounts for about 5% of the waste disposal methods used in Accra. The findings show that the plastic recycling industry in Accra is largely unstructured. In addition, the results also revealed socio-economic status of residents in the metropolis reflected in the way they handle waste and dispose waste; many of them are not able to pay for the services of waste disposal. The study recommended a more robust policy should be formulated to encourage investors in the area of recycling.