Socioeconomic Analysis of Improper Solid Waste Disposal in Ghana

ABSTRACT

The alarming rate of waste generation in Ghana, coupled with the adoption of improper solid waste disposal methods by most Ghanaians has necessitated several interventions of which the polluter pays principle is key. However, its implementation has not yielded the desired results yet, since the exploration of the main factors underlying the use of improper solid waste disposal (SWD) methods as well as the decision to pay for SWD has not been exhaustive. This thesis therefore seeks to analyze the socioeconomic determinants of improper SWD methods and the decision to pay for SWD in Ghana. In view of this, the seventh round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey was used as the data source for the thesis employing the utility theory framework. Results from the logistic regression showed that, the choice of improper SWD methods is significantly influenced by the gender, age and level of education of a household head, as well as the geographical location, wealth status, type of dwelling and the occupancy status of a household. Renting and rent-free occupants were found to be 8% and 6.4% less likely to adopt improper SWD methods as compared to owner occupant households. With respect to the decision to pay for SWD, the gender, age and level of education of a household head, the geographical location, size, wealth status, type of dwelling and the occupancy status of a household were the significant determinants Evidently, there is a 30.2% likelihood for residents of urban areas to pay for SWD relative to those in the rural areas. . In light of the findings, the thesis recommends the strategic development and implementation of a rural solid waste collection policy to curtail the predominance of improper SWD methods in rural areas, whilst strengthening and promoting of private-public partnerships in SWC to enhance the smooth and frequent provision of solid waste collection (SWC) services amidst a competitive market setting. Also, structured price discrimination in the pricing of SWC services to make enough funds available to ensure the smooth running of these services should be adopted by the various solid waste management companies with government’s support in its implementation. Furthermore, mandatory subscription to a SWC service should be incorporated in house rent agreements and implemented strictly by the rent control departments.