Waste Literacy and Sustainable Waste Management Practices Among Residents in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

The study assessed waste literacy and sustainable waste management (SWM) practices among residents of the Accra Metropolis, Ghana, utilizing the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a conceptual framework. The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between residents' waste literacy, threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and ownership appraisal, and how these factors influenced their adoption of sustainable waste management practices. The study employed an explanatory sequential design, integrating quantitative data collected from 395 households through structured surveys, and qualitative insights from key interviews with waste management officials. Results from the quantitative phase revealed that 81% of respondents were aware of SWM practices such as reuse and recycling, though infrastructural and educational barriers limited their adoption. Using IBM SPSS for data analysis, the study identified significant correlations between waste literacy and SWM behaviors. The findings also demonstrated that higher threat appraisal, where residents recognized the severe risks of poor waste management, motivated proactive waste reduction efforts. However, coping appraisal, representing individuals’ confidence in managing waste, was weaker, indicating the need for capacity-building initiatives. Ownership appraisal revealed a high sense of responsibility among residents, but this did not always translate into effective action due to practical challenges. These findings emphasized the need for enhanced public education, improved waste infrastructure, and stronger collaboration between government and private sectors to improve waste management outcomes. The study has important implications for policymakers, environmental advocates, and stakeholders in Ghana’s waste management sector. It is recommended that targeted educational campaigns and infrastructure investments be implemented to strengthen waste literacy and empower residents to take actionable steps towards sustainable waste management in Accra.