Assessing the Effects of Uncollected Waste Generated by Households in Tema Newtown

Abstract

The problem of waste collection and disposal has been a canker to the development of cities and towns across Ghana. Day in day out, there are reports of piles of waste left uncollected around city centres and residences. Huge tonnes of waste are seen scattered in streets and gutters and the effects are enormous especially in the face of rapid urbanization. Some of the effects include flooding, the spread of diseases as a result of cross contaminations, the aesthetic value of the community among others. The city of Tema is one fast urbanizing area with such challenges associated with waste generation. This study therefore sought to ascertain the effects of uncollected household waste generated in Tema Newtown – a community within the Tema Metropolitan Area. The study used a survey of 120 households, key informant interviews of officials within the administrative and traditional jurisdiction of Tema and observations to achieve its objectives. Additionally, the Contingent Valuation Method was used to elicit and analyze respondents’ willingness to pay. The results of the study showed that out of 11.64 tonnes of waste generated per day in Tema Newtown, 3.8 tonnes remains uncollected. The study also revealed that the respondents were aware of the problem of uncollected yet were unconcerned. However, they were aware of the effects of the waste generated and what was left uncollected which included the widespread of diseases, flooding, contamination of water bodies and devaluation of the town due to the odour in some communities within the town. According to the result of the valuation, majority of the respondents are willing to pay a fee for better and improved waste management system. The study therefore encourages the adoption of the Public Private Partnership and the various recycling of waste materials to reduce the rate of uncollected waste and efficient waste management.