TITLE:
Solid Waste Generation and Management Practices at the University of Education, Winneba
AUTHORS:
Kizito Attah Gesuli-Saliba, Felix Tetteh Kabutey, Stephen Twumasi Annan, Florence Esi Nyieku, Worlanyo Kwabena Agbosu, Prosper Deo-Donne Lumorh, Francis Kwaku Nkansah
KEYWORDS:
Solid Waste Characterisation, Calorific Value, Proximate Analysis, Circular Economy, Waste-to-Energy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Solid waste generation and management have become major environmental concerns in developing countries, particularly in institutional settings where rapid population growth and urban development exceed the capacity of existing waste management systems. This study examined the composition, energy recovery potential, and management practices of the solid waste generated at the South Campus of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana, to provide empirical data to inform circular-economy-oriented waste management strategies. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating quantitative waste characterisation and focus group discussions. Nineteen (19) waste bins were selected through stratified proportionate sampling from a total of sixty-two (62) across five student halls of residence, whereas ten (10) participants were randomly selected for the focus group discussion. Waste samples were collected daily for sixty (60) days, spanning both the dry and wet seasons. The waste was manually sorted, weighed, and analysed for moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon content, and calorific value. The results revealed that organic waste constituted the predominant fraction (60.65%) of the total waste stream, followed by plastics (28.93%), paper (5.12%), metal (3.64%), glass (1.66%), and textiles and e-waste (