Abstract:
This work looks at solid waste management practices in the Birim
North District, Ghana. The study used political economists’ perspectives in
provision and management of public service to analyse waste disposal
practices in the study communities. The aim was to explore factors responsible
for indiscriminate dumping and burning of domestic waste in the Birim North
District and suggest solutions to address the problem.
Methodologically, the qualitative approach was used to select 87
participants to participate in the study. Sampling methods used were
purposive, convenient and accidental sampling. Interview, focus group
discussion and personal observation were the tools used to collect data.
Themes formed from the data collected in respect to the research objectives
informed the analysis.
The study revealed that waste is dumped and burnt indiscriminately in
the study communities and factors responsible for it are that distance between
homes and waste dumps is far, waste materials and equipment are inadequate,
waste education campaigns are not effective and inadequate funds have also
prevented the District Assembly from regular transportation of the skip
containers when the containers were full with waste. Hence the thesis
recommended that, the Assembly should provide more waste bins to the
communities if possible for every ten houses should have one mobile waste
bin in each community to help reduce indiscriminate household waste disposal
practices. Also, the Assembly should embark on effective waste education
campaign to help reduce indiscriminate waste disposal practices
