SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ACCRA, GHANA-ANAEROBIC DIGESTION AS AN APPROPRIA TE PRETREA TMENT OPTION PRIOR TO LANDFILLING

摘要

This paper presents an overview of the problems of solid waste management in an urban centre-Accra, Ghana and certain important issues that must be considered in order to achieve success. Despite privatizing garbage collection, with the view of improving waste management services, there is still a severe waste management crisis throughout many parts of the metropolis. More waste is generated than collected by the waste authority and this has resulted in a deficit of solid waste left in the environment. Also, the waste collected and hauled to the dump-site is not treated resulting in leachate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Diseases known to be environmentally related as a result of poor solid waste management are common. A detailed description of the situation in the metropolis is presented. In addition, biological pre-treatment option is proposed as a sustainable approach towards the solution of the solid waste problem in the metropolis.