Disposal of plastic waste in Ghana: the knowledge, attitude and practices of households in the Tamale metropolis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The authors report a cross-sectional study in Tamale, Ghana, using a stratified simple random sample of 270 households to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of households, in relation to the disposal of plastic waste. Data gathered using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews revealed that 48% of respondents had moderate-to-high levels of knowledge, 87% of respondents showed a negative attitude, and 46% performed poor practices in plastic waste disposal. There was a statistically significant association of education level and employment status of residents with plastic waste disposal. The knowledge, attitude, and practices of households were unsatisfactory though not significantly associated with plastic waste disposal. There is a need to use formal and informal education on waste management and improve access to affordable waste disposal services.