Abstract:
Source separation of solid waste, though rarely practiced in Ghana and
Africa, holds great promise to usher the country and continent into the realm of
integrated and sustainable solid waste management option. The study investigated
households’ solid waste separation practices in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
Descriptive research design was employed and multi-stage sampling method was
used to obtain data from 246 household respondents whereas 7 key informants were
purposively selected. Data for the study were collected through the use of
interviews, questionnaires, and observations across low, middle and high-income
communities. The data process was done using the Statistical Product and Service
Solutions (SPSS, version 21.10) software programme. Emphasis was placed on the
existing solid waste disposal practices, waste separation practices, willingness of
households to separate waste and challenges associated with households’
separation of solid waste. The study found that most residents, regardless of their
income status, rarely separate their waste. However, there were general indications
of residents’ willingness to separate waste at source. Unavailable waste recycling
plant and inability to purchase waste separation bins constitute major challenges of
waste separation in the study area. For incentives towards future source separation
programmes, the study recommends that the central government and Cape Coast
Metropolitan Assembly in conjunction with their development partners should
assist in the provision of waste separation bins and waste recycling plant in the
study area. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly within its entrusted authority
should also promulgate and enforce bye-laws to regulate the process.
