Solid Waste Collection Practices at the Communal Level in the Sekyere Enclave.

Abstract

Solid waste collection remains a major environmental and public health concern, particularly at the communal level. This study assessed communal solid waste collection practices using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 384 households and three institutional stakeholders through questionnaires observational checklist, and laboratory analyses. Leachate metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe) were assessed via water ingestion with DF = 20. Soil metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn) were assessed via dermal contact and oral ingestion. Results showed that community participation in waste collection was moderate (M = 1.79, SD = 0.69), with 44.4% reporting low participation, 32.0% moderate participation, and 23.5% high participation. There was a satisfaction index (0.478) indicating lower satisfaction with communal waste collection services. Inadequate vehicles, limited budgets, irregular collection, few bins, and long distances hinder effective waste management, as perceived by both institutions and residents. Communal waste collection practices pose significant environmental health risks by elevating heavy metal concentrations (particularly lead and cadmium) and fecal contamination in soil and leachate, through dermal and oral exposure pathways (H > 1), while leachate poses minimal risk to groundwater due to natural dilution(H<1). Based on field observations and environmental assessments, poorly managed communal waste collection practices appear to create breeding grounds for disease vectors. Additionally, elevated levels of total coliforms, particularly E. coli, suggest a potential risk of waterborne and sanitation-related diseases. The study recommends implementing community incentive programs, digital reporting platforms, and micro-vehicle waste collection partnerships, alongside monitoring and infrastructure improvements to prevent leachate contamination. Additionally, health authorities should conduct awareness campaigns.