Solid Waste Management Practices and Challenges in the Awutu Senya East Municipality

Abstract

The focus of the research was to assess the challenges associated with solid waste management in the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly. It aimed to understand people's waste management and disposal practices in the Awutu Senya East Municipality, the challenges faced by the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly in the realm of management of solid waste and make recommendations that will shape the approach to waste management in the ASEMA. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect primary data from the study area while relevant reports that were available at the municipal assembly was used as secondary data. Households, Municipal Assembly members, and municipal waste management company employees all provided data for the study. It was discovered that; plastic waste formed the majority of household waste. Most households do not separate or reuse waste which means there is more waste available for disposal than if waste was segregated and reused more. The lack of waste segregation was attributed to a lack of time, distinct waste bins, and understanding on how to segregate waste. Most responders spent more than 25 minutes dumping trash in the community. ASEMA's solid waste management is hampered by insufficient financial resources, a negative family attitude toward trash management, a lack of sanitation staff, and outdated and limited equipment. Local governments could utilize the money generated from waste collection to invest in new sanitation infrastructure and better waste management supplies since majority of the respondents said they would be prepared to pay for the collection of their rubbish. A portion of the internally generated fund could also be invested in the procurement of modern tools and equipment for waste collection and management. To achieve efficient and effective management of solid waste, a clearly articulated waste management strategy and its effective implementation are urgently needed