Determinants of source separation of municipal solid waste in developing countries: the case of Ghana

Abstract

Source separation of municipal solid waste, (rarely practised in Ghana and Africa) which holds great promise to usher the country and continent into the realm of integrated and sustainable solid waste management is reviewed in this study. The study examines the determinants of source separation as the technical heart of a sustainable solid waste management option. The research was conducted mainly through interviews and survey across the socio-economic divide to determine willingness and ability to separate waste at source. Emphasis was placed on the degree and category of separation, and motivational measures likely to promote public acceptance and increase efficiency and coverage of future source separation processes. The study showed that residents have the ability and are willing to source separate waste into at least two streams. Biodegradables and plastics are the most preferred components of separation. Major anticipated challenges of the process include bin storage space and consistency of collection of segregated waste. Motivational expectations towards a future source separation program include provision of free storage bins to householders