The dilemmas of plastic wastes in a developing economy: Proposals for a sustainable management approach for Ghana

Abstract

Plastics have been used extensively in both food and water packaging because of their inherent properties such as low bulk densities and inertness that make them convenient carrier materials and low risk contaminants. Plastic bottles and sachets used to package iced water that is sold to people in transit points and in moving vehicles have become widespread in the sub-region. However, the packaging revolution has not been correspondingly backed by appropriate plastic waste management policy, which has left many cities in sub-Sahara Africa littered with plastic wastes; thus, creating disgusting visual nuisances and other public health problems. The paper discusses the experiences, challenges and prospects of plastic waste management schemes in Ghana and proposes a new model of fractional levy and polluter tax system to address this environmental eye sore. It is concluded that the current rate of environmental deterioration is likely to persist unless a long term remedial such as the polluter taxation system is carefully worked into plastic wastes management schemes in the region.