From perception to action: Waste management challenges in Kassena Nankana East Municipality

This study examines the perceptions and behaviours related to waste management (WM) among residents of the Kassena Nankana East Municipality in Ghana. A mixed-method approach was used to garner data from 394 household respondents, and the data was analysed using SPSS software. The findings reveal a weak correlation between educational attainment and effective waste management practices and a mildly positive correlation between waste awareness and the effectiveness of policies and legislation. Notably, a significant proportion of respondents preferred open burning (42.1 %) and dumping (18.8 %) as disposal methods, indicating critical areas for intervention. The study introduces a novel comprehensive analysis by integrating attitude formation, collective action, and institutional and rational choice theories to understand WM behaviours. This theoretical integration significantly contributes to the field, providing a heterogeneous understanding of the factors influencing WM practices. Furthermore, the research identifies key gaps in WM infrastructure and public engagement, offering innovative recommendations to address these challenges. This study's significant outputs include identifying specific community behaviours towards waste disposal and evaluating the effectiveness of existing WM policies. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions that promote sustainable WM practices. The study's contributions and recommendations are crucial for advancing environmental sustainability efforts in similar contexts, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.