Characterization Of Solid Wastes Generated By A Community In Ghana – The Case Of Asante Mampong

Abstract

The solid wastes generated by the community in Mampong-Ashanti (Ghana) were categorized by sorting and weighing the components. Organic materials constituted the biggest component, forming more than two-thirds of the total solid waste. Wastes of the staple foods of the community, especially, cassava, yam, plantain, coco-yam and maize, were the main constituents of the organic wastes. Plastic/rubber, paper, metallic, glass, textile materials were insignificant components in terms of mass, but were however, very significant in visibility. The community was aware of many uses of solid wastes, such as recycling and composting, but the citizens had not engaged in waste conversion. The technologies of production of beads, soap, substrates for mushroom cultivati-on and organic fertilizers from household wastes could be transferred to the community to create jobs and gener-ate income. Landfills and relocation of refuse dumps far from the community were suggested as alternative disposal methods to reduce the unsightly waste piles.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology Vol. 12 (1&2) 2007: pp. 46-51