Characteristics of diverted solid waste in Kumasi: A Ghanaian City
Characteristics of diverted solid waste in Kumasi: A Ghanaian City
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Date
2014-10-20
Authors
Monney, Isaac
Wahabu, Adam
Oduro-Kwarteng, Sampson
Kotoka, Prosper
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Abstract
: Waste diversion from landfills has generally been neglected in the developing world despite its potential to prolong
the lifespan of landfills and generate revenues. This study aims at characterizing diverted solid waste fractions at communal
collection points in seven communities and determining the trends in landfilled solid waste due to the Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT)
mechanism. It is based on quantitative measurements of diverted waste by informal waste pickers at communal collection points
in seven communities in the Kumasi metropolis and analysis of landfilled waste records prior to and after the introduction of the
PAYT mechanism. The study shows a daily diversion rate of 19.4±9.2kg per informal waste picker per day with no statistically
significant difference (p = 0.29). This constitutes just 0.5w/w% of the total waste stream at communal collection points. The
diverted waste is dominated by plastics (50%) and metals (29%). Generally, the diverted waste quantities are hugely dependent
on the storage capacities of the informal waste pickers while the types of recovered items depend on readily available market.
The introduction of the PAYT system, as observed from the study, immediately caused a decline (28%) in waste disposed of at
communal collection points but steadily appreciated with time (26% and 13% consecutive reductions in subsequent years). The
study recommends support for the informal sector, Public-Private Partnerships for waste recycling and intensive public education
on PAYT mechanism prior to and after its introduction
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Citation
Wahabu, A., Oduro-Kwarteng, S., Monney, I., & Kotoka, P. (2014). Characteristics of diverted solid waste in Kumasi: A Ghanaian city. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 3(5), 225-231.