The role of scrap collectors in achieving sustainable solid waste management in the cape coast metropolis-ghana.

Abstract

Waste is an inevitable by-product of human activity, and as a result, waste management has evolved into a worldwide problem. The study's specific goal was to look into the amount of scraps collected as well as the sources from which they came, scrap collector activities, an assessment of the challenges scrap collectors face, and an investigation into how scrap collection could be incorporated into the formal waste management system. This study, which was conducted within the Cape Coast metropolitan area in the Central Region of Ghana, used a descriptive research design. The collectors of scrap metal, traders in scraps, and the Waste Management Department of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, made up the target demographic (CCMA). One officer from the CCMA was included in the sample along with twenty-two scrap collectors and two scrap dealers. Snowball and purposive sampling were used. The primary data were gathered through preliminary observations made on the field and interviews conducted face to face. With the help of theme analysis, the data was processed and analysed qualitatively. Findings from this research, showed that scrap collection is primarily performed by men. It was also found that both the formal and informal waste management systems contribute to sanitation; however, scrap collectors with their precarious operations are not included in the formal waste management system, which presents a challenge in the pursuit of sustainable waste management in the Cape Coast Metropolis and Ghana as a whole. In conclusion the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly's waste management division need to establish procedures to formally recognise scrap collectors as the first response team in.