Management Perceptions of Waste Management in Ghanaian Hotels

Abstract

Waste management in the hospitality industry has become a critical environmental and operational challenge, particularly in developing economies where regulatory enforcement and infrastructure limitations hinder sustainable waste disposal practices. This study examines waste generation patterns, regulatory frameworks, existing waste management practices, barriers, and sustainable strategies in hotels, with a specific focus on Ghana’s hospitality sector. Using a systematic literature review approach, relevant academic studies were analyzed to synthesize key insights into the complexities of hotel waste management. The findings reveal that organic waste, single-use plastics, and hazardous materials constitute most of the hotel waste, with food waste being the largest contributor. While hotels in developed countries have adopted strict regulatory frameworks and advanced waste management technologies, compliance remains a significant challenge in Ghana due to weak enforcement, high compliance costs, and unreliable waste collection services. Additionally, low guest participation in recycling programs and inadequate infrastructure further exacerbate waste management inefficiencies. The study highlights that hotels implementing green procurement, AI-driven waste sorting, and circular economy principles have improved waste reduction outcomes and cost savings. Collaboration between hotels, government agencies, and waste management firms is essential to drive policy reforms, increase compliance incentives, and improve waste collection systems. This research contributes to sustainability literature by providing actionable insights into policy recommendations, industry best practices, and technological innovations for hotel waste management. Future studies should explore scalable and cost-effective waste solutions tailored to small and mid-sized hotels, ensuring wider adoption of sustainable waste management practices across the hospitality sector.