he potential, impacts, and challenges of pay-as-you-throw for municipal solid waste services in Ghana
he potential, impacts, and challenges of pay-as-you-throw for municipal solid waste services in Ghana
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Date
2015-05-12
Authors
Oduro-Kwarteng, Sampson
Munir, Saeed
Monney, Isaac
Keraita, Bernard
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science
Abstract
This study was undertaken to examine the potential of pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) as a cost recovery
mechanism, its impacts on solid waste collection services and the challenges associated with its implementation
in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Data were collected by weighing 262 head-loads of
solid waste at communal container sites and recording their corresponding user charges in 14 low and middle income communities in Kumasi. A household survey involving 80 randomly selected households patronizing
communal disposal systems was undertaken to assess their perceptions of PAYT. In-depth interviews with
heads of six private solid waste management companies and one with the Waste Management Department
of the local authority were also conducted. Results: The study showed that the average revenue generated
per ton of waste disposed into communal containers was GH¢ 17.07 (US$11.38). This is 70% higher than the
collection fee paid to private waste management companies prior to the implementation of the PAYT. Each
communal container accrues an average revenue of GH¢ 153 (≈US$103) when filled to capacity. However,
a significant proportion of residents (80%) claimed not to have been informed about the PAYT mechanism
prior to its implementation. Although PAYT has improved service levels due to regular pickup of communal
containers, it is confronted with challenges including, inequitable user charges, illegal dumping of waste into
communal containers at night; non-payment of user charges; and indiscriminate dumping of waste at unapproved
locations. Conclusion: PAYT approach has the potential to ensure cost recovery and should be sustained. The
local authority need to ensure equitable user charges; allocate buy-back points; undertake intensive public
education on the PAYT; and monitor private waste management companies against exorbitant user charges.
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Citation
Sampson Oduro-Kwarteng, S. M., Monney, I., & Keraita, B. (2015). The potential, impacts, and challenges of pay-as-you-throw for municipal solid waste services in Ghana. J Environ Occup Sci, 4(2), 85.