Inter-continental differences in waste management in developing countries: Turkey and Ghana

Abstract

This study examines municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems in two cities in developing countries at different phases of development: Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana and Kocaeli, Turkey. The waste management strategies, including composition, from the two cities are compared, and the methods of MSW management in Kocaeli are discussed and options for waste management in Sekondi-Takoradi are considered as well as how lessons could be learnt from the development and operation of Kocaeli's system that will help implement integrated and sustainable waste management systems in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. The results of the study showed difference in waste composition and wide variations in waste management structure between the two municipalities. An average per capita waste generation of 0.92 and 0.70 kg/day, an organic fraction of 141 and 158 kg/year and 31 and 26% of recyclable waste are recorded for Kocaeli and Sekondi-Takoradi, respectively. The paper further highlights how the two distinct states of development of the two cities lead to different priorities in waste management strategies, techniques and technologies.