SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL IN EAST MAMPRUSI MUNICIPALITY: ASSESSMENT OF REASONS FOR DISPOSAL METHODS

Abstract

Purpose: The study determined the methods of solid waste disposal in the municipality, in relation with awareness and compliance with dumping on approved locations. Methodology: The study adopted simple and purposive sampling techniques to select households and respondents. The target respondents for the study were, planning and Environmental offices, chiefs and opinion leaders, and heads of households. Data were analyzed using a regression model to determine the influencing factors of the disposal options, whiles also evaluating compliance with the disposal on approved lands. Findings: The research found out that; open dumping in the neighborhood, (83.33%), was the main disposal option of the municipality, also, there was a significant relationship between; awareness of approved dumping sites and compliance with dumping on approved sites, distance to the waste disposal sites affected the disposal on approved sites, and lack of knowledge on by-laws on waste management also affected the choice of disposal option.  The research concluded that open dumping of waste is mainly driven by low awareness of approved disposal sites and the absence of recycling alternatives. The unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended the need for the provision of more communal containers and waste bins by government and sector players on waste management in the district; intensive education on bye-laws, emphasizing on the significance of dumping waste on approved sites is a welcoming intervention.