ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL WASTE-TO-ENERGY TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

Tamale faces increasing challenges with the management of municipal solid waste. This study explored Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies as a viable solution, aiming to evaluate their suitability for implementation in the city. The study utilized a waste audit analysis, involving the physical and chemical characterization of solid waste sampled from various sources such as households, markets, hotels, and restaurants. Stakeholder preferences for four waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies (incineration, gasification, landfill gas recovery, and anaerobic digestion) were analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) of Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). Quantitative research methods were employed to assess public perceptions and social acceptance of WtE technologies. Specifically, the study used ANOVA, T-tests, and multiple regression analysis on data collected from a survey of 395 residents in Tamale. Lastly, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with key waste management stakeholders in Tamale to explore the challenges and opportunities for incorporating Waste-to-Energy (WtE) technologies into the current waste management framework. The study revealed that the Tamale metropolis produces 176 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) per day, with a per capita generation rate of 0.47 kg/day. Organic matter constituted the largest portion at 44.9%, followed by miscellaneous and plastic waste, each accounting for 20%. The hospitality sector contributed the highest organic waste content, making up 62.3% of its total waste. Gross calorific values found for waste sampled from the study area ranged from 7.8 MJ/kg to 28.8 MJ/kg, suggesting that MSW in the Tamale metropolis was suitable for energy generation. Stakeholder engagement identified Anaerobic Digestion (AD) as the preferred WtE technology due to its environmental benefits, social acceptability, and job creation potential. However, a sensitivity analysis showed that prioritizing economic factors could shift preference towards Landfill Gas Recovery (LFG) if economic weight exceeds 85% in the decision model. This suggests LFG as the second-most viable WtE option for Tamale. While acknowledging WtE benefits, a lack of technical understanding of WtE plants fuels anxieties about odor and health risks, manifesting as a "Not-In-My-Backyard" (NIMBY) syndrome. Age, education, and proximity to WtE plants influenced awareness and acceptance, with higher levels observed in urban residents, older age groups, and those closer to existing plants. This underscores the importance of focused public education and awareness initiatives. The study also identified key obstacles to the current Municipal Solid Waste Management System (MSWMS), including policy challenges, financial constraints, social issues, and institutional weaknesses. On the other hand, success factors for enhancing waste management and shifting towards a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) focused MSWM system included stakeholder collaboration, public education, and capacity building. Moreover, a new framework for integrating WtE into a comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is proposed. This study finds that anaerobic digestion, among waste-to-energy technologies, shows promise in addressing Tamale's growing municipal solid waste issue. This research provides crucial insights for policymakers and regulatory bodies, including the PURC, the Ministry of Energy, and local authorities, on integrating waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions into Ghana’s waste management framework in alignment with SDGs 7, 11, and 12. It highlights the viability of waste valorization strategies, particularly anaerobic digestion (AD), as a sustainable and economically feasible option. Finally, it recommends a pilot implementation to assess feasibility