UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES,

SUNYANI - GHANA

School of Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

BSc. Civil Engineering

BY
BENJAMIN OBENG NYARKO

UW0700123
TOPIC: ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ON UENR CAMPUS

APRIL, 2024
ABSTRACT

Efficient waste management systems are pivotal for a healthy human society and a sustainable

environment. This proposal addresses the critical issue of solid waste management, particularly

within the context of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) campus in

Sunyani, Ghana. With solid waste posing significant challenges globally, including

environmental pollution and health hazards, there is an urgent need for effective waste

management strategies. This study aims to comprehensively assess the current state of solid

waste management on the UENR campus and propose recommendations for improvement. The

main objective is to identify existing waste management practices, assess their effectiveness in

mitigating environmental pollution and health hazards, evaluate the level of awareness among

the campus community, and analyze potential barriers hindering effective waste management.

Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and

direct observations, data will be collected from students, faculty, staff, and administrative

personnel. Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, while qualitative data

will be thematically analyzed to ensure validity and reliability through triangulation. The

proposed budget includes expenses for survey development, printing and distribution,

transportation, compensation for interviewees, personnel costs, and miscellaneous expenses,

totalling GHC 4000. The timeline outlines key milestones from project planning and survey

development to report submission, spanning from April to June 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................2

TABLE OF CONTENT...................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4

PROBLEM STATEMENT..............................................................................................................5

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY.....................................................................................................7

Main Objective.............................................................................................................................7

Specific Objectives......................................................................................................................7

MATERIALS AND METHOD.......................................................................................................8

Study Area....................................................................................................................................8

Research Design...........................................................................................................................8

Population....................................................................................................................................8

Sample Size..................................................................................................................................9

Data Collection............................................................................................................................9

Data Processing and Analysis:.....................................................................................................9

Budget..........................................................................................................................................9

Timeline.....................................................................................................................................10

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
 INTRODUCTION

In recent times, a healthy human society and a sustainable environment have been judged by the

existence of efficient waste management systems. All forms of human activities generate wastes

that must be disposed of appropriately and managed efficiently. Due to its negative impact on

health and the environment, solid waste has recently drawn serious attention worldwide (Owusu

et al., 2013). Both developed and developing nations view solid waste management as a problem

worth solving. Urban centres are characterized by an increase in the volume of solid waste

generated globally with its associated effects such as increasing emissions of greenhouse gases

(GHG) and climate changes; water pollution, drainage blockage, flooding, breakdown of the

ecosystems, outbreak of epidemic diseases and related health problems (Boateng et al., 2019).

Solid waste management is one of the critical issues in most developing countries that deprive

communities of a sustainable environment and access to public health (Zagozewski et al., 2011).

Globally, communities are characterized by an increase in the volume of solid waste generated

with its associated effects such as increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), water

pollution, drainage blockage, flooding, the outbreak of epidemic diseases, and related health

problems (Gautam & Agrawal, 2021; Ihedioha et al., 2017; Zagozewski et al., 2011). However,

the fact that environmental crises are of global concern and that there is typically no permanent

solution to environmental problems is what aggravates the situation (Mukuma, 2022).

Solid waste refers merely to unwanted or useless non-liquid waste generated from residential,

commercial and industrial activities in a given area or municipality. According to Ali, Cotton and

Westlake (1999, municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to all solid wastes created within and
disposed of by a city, including household garbage, commercial refuse, construction and

demolition debris, dead animals, etc. Municipal solid waste is a significant proportion of the

waste generated in urban centers and includes paper, vegetable matter, plastics, metals, textiles,

rubber, and glass (USEPA, 2013). According to Yousafzai et al., (2020), attaining environmental

quality and improved human health depends on appropriate management and disposal of

municipal solid waste as it has both direct and indirect effects on man and his environment.

Effective management and disposal of solid waste starts with management at the generation

source. Source separation practices of municipal solid wastes by households are critical to solid

waste management in terms of collection, resource recovery, recycling and disposal.

This study seeks to assess the current waste management systems used on the UENR campus,

located in Sunyani, the capital of the Bono Region. In this study, all the waste generation points

within the scope area including administrative buildings, staff quarters on the campus, classroom

blocks, eatery and recreational areas will be considered. The study will also assess the waste

generation rates, disposal methods, waste collection time intervals, the awareness of staff and

students on waste management practices, segregation practices and waste disposal infrastructure

on the campus. The findings from the study can be the basis for improvement of solid waste

management on the campus.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Waste management has become a global issue which requires local and international

intervention. In Ghana to be precise, the government finds it very difficult to solve this problem

alone which has called for the participation of the private sector and the contribution of

individuals, (Sarfo-Mensah et al., 2019). Household solid waste (HSW) management is a great

challenge in urban areas around the world. Additionally, source separation is widely accepted as
the first and key method for minimizing solid waste and enhancing management, recycling and

disposal efficiency (Abubakar et al., 2022; Anomanyo, 2004; Mohee & Bundhoo, 2015; Tatsi A.

A.; Zouboulis, 2002). Although waste separation/segregation at source has been acknowledged

as an efficient strategy for solid waste management and recycling, its full potential and benefits

are yet to be realized or utilized and the rate of public participation has continued to remain low

in Ghana due to waste generators perception and attitude towards it. The issue of household solid

waste management in terms of separation/segregation is of poor standard in most municipalities

throughout Ghana. Attitudes and perceptions toward waste separation/segregation at source and

rating of waste disposal issues in people’s minds and the scheme of official development plans

have not been adequately considered which has thus led to the recent upsurge in solid waste

management and disposal problems in developing countries (Cheng et al., 2020). The idea that

public considerations in terms of source separation/segregation of solid waste has not been given

adequate attention in terms of municipal solid waste management in Ghana has necessitated this

research.

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) faces significant challenges in

managing solid waste effectively on its campus. These challenges stem from various factors,

including the lack of proper infrastructure for waste disposal and recycling. The campus may be

equipped with insufficient waste bins, recycling centers, or composting sites, leading to

haphazard waste disposal practices. Consequently, this inadequate infrastructure results in

environmental pollution, encompassing soil, water, and air pollution, which can have far-

reaching consequences for the ecosystem and human health. Moreover, improper waste

management creates breeding grounds for pests and disease vectors, posing significant health

hazards to the campus community. Despite UENR's emphasis on energy and natural resources,
there appears to be a gap in aligning waste management practices with sustainability goals and

principles. Additionally, there might be a lack of awareness and education among students, staff,

and faculty regarding proper waste management practices and the importance of waste reduction,

reuse, and recycling, further exacerbating the problem.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Main Objective

The main objective of this research is to comprehensively assess the current state of solid waste

management on the UENR campus and develop recommendations for improvement.

Specific Objectives

1. To identify existing solid waste management practices and infrastructure on the UENR

campus.

2. To assess the effectiveness of current waste management strategies in mitigating

environmental pollution and health hazards.

3. To evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge among the campus community

regarding proper waste management practices.

4. To analyze the potential barriers and challenges hindering effective solid waste

management on the UENR campus.

 MATERIALS AND METHOD

Study Area

The University of Energy and Natural Resources was established on 31 st of December, 2011

through Act 830, 2011 of the Parliament of Ghana. The University which is a multi-campus set-

up currently has three campuses located in Sunyani, Nsoatre and Dormaa Ahenkro in the Bono

Region of Ghana. The Sunyani campus which is approximately 85 acres is home to the School of

Sciences, School of Natural Resources, School of Graduate Studies, University Library and the

main administration of the University. The School of Engineering is slated to be sited on

approximately 2000 acres of land at Nsoatre. The third campus of the school which occupies

2000 acres of land at Dormaa is to host the School of Agriculture and Technology and

Geosciences. The university is a state-funded institution with the goal of providing excellence in

leadership and energy management. The university aims to become a household name in the

training of quality scientists and technologies for Ghana and the world at large.

Research Design

The proposed research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and

qualitative data collection methods. This approach will allow for a comprehensive understanding

of the issues surrounding solid waste management on the UENR campus.

Population

The population of interest includes students, faculty, staff, and administrative personnel at the

University of Energy and Natural Resources.

Sample Size

The sample size will be determined using stratified random sampling techniques to ensure

representation from different demographics and departments within the university.

Data Collection

Data will be collected through surveys, interviews, and direct observations.

Data Processing and Analysis:

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, while qualitative data will be

analyzed thematically. Triangulation of data from multiple sources will be conducted to ensure

validity and reliability.

Budget

Below are the breakdown budget for the study

1. Survey Development: GHC 500

2. Printing and Distribution of Surveys: GHC 300

3. Transportation for Data Collection: GHC 700

4. Compensation for Interviewees: GHC 800

5. Personnel Costs (Research Assistants): GHC 1000

6. Miscellaneous Expenses: GHC 700

Total Budget: GHC 4000

Timeline

1. Project Planning and Preparation: April 2024

2. Survey Development and Pretesting: 1st May -10th May 2024

3. Data Collection: 10th May -30th May 2024

4. Data Analysis: 30th May 2024 -5th June 2024

5. Report Writing and Presentation: 20th June 2024

6. Final Report Submission: 30th June 2024

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Ahmed, S. M. S., Al-Gehlani, W. A. G., & Alrawaf, T. I. (2022). Environmental
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Anomanyo, E. D. (2004). Integration of municipal solid waste management in Accra (Ghana):

Bioreactor treatment technology as an integral part of the management process. Lund
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Boateng, K. S., Agyei-Baffour, P., Boateng, D., Rockson, G. N. K., Mensah, K. A., & Edusei, A.
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four major metropolitan cities in Ghana. Journal of Environmental and Public Health,
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Cheng, K. W., Osman, S., Jusoh, Z., & Leby, J. (2020). The Determinants of Intention to
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https://doi.org/10.4137/EHI.S6974