Household characteristics and waste generation paradox: what influences solid waste generation in Bolgatanga

Abstract

Municipal solid waste is recognised as an obnoxious local development challenge in many developing countries. The continuous struggle to ensure sustainable waste management in Ghana is a challenge of inadequate data on waste generation and the factors influencing generation. It is in this light that this paper examines waste generation rate and the influence of household socio-economic characteristics on waste generation in Bolgatanga, an urban city in Northern Ghana. The study utilised a regression technique based on ordinary least squares approach to empirically test the relationship between household variables and waste generation. The findings indicate; education, household size and fuel sources are significant but differently influenced waste generation. For effective waste management, the paper suggests a priority focus be given to education and recommends for future studies further analysis of the influence of income on waste generation.