IMPACT OF PET BOTTLES DISPOSAL AND MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS IN SELECTED URBAN CITIES IN GHANA

Abstract

The population of Ghana is growing at an alarming rate with its attendant increase in waste generation, specifically PET bottle-waste. Prior studies have shown that, the chemical composition of the materials in making the PET bottles; from exploration of petroleum as raw materials, to the non-biodegradable nature of the empty bottles are an obvious unsustainable practice, and a real menace to the environment. This study seeks to identify i) various sources of empty PET bottles, ii) its social as well as its economic impact on the environment, ii) identify various levels of strategic stakeholders and iv) discuss critical issues relating to a potential establishment of a PET recycling firm in Ghana; with the view of addressing its impact or mitigating its effects.