METHODS Research Design
The research was designed using a stratified multistage probability sample. The explicit stratum was the Tema metropolitan
area. The primary sampling units were 12 communities of the area. 6 communities were drawn from the sample. The secondary sampling units were approximately 834 households systematically drawn from each community. In all, a sampling size of 5000 households was used to first determine the willingness and ability of the citizens to source separate waste as part of a sustainable and integrated solid waste management option in Ghana. The focus of the research was to also assess all possible determinants to a successful source separation process for a people who have never practiced it before. Of importance was the determination of the degree and or category of source separation that would be initially convenient to all participants, in addition to the major motivational factors that could increase efficiency and participation rates. Further emphasis was placed on the significance of source separation to the waste management system, the extent and category of separation; the challenges likely to be encountered by participants and implementers; and possible educational and motivational measures that may promote public acceptance and increase coverage of the process.
Interview and Development of Questionnaire
The focus of the interview with waste management authorities was to obtain first hand information relevant to the cause of the development of the questionnaires and also to have a foreknowledge of the solid waste management practices in the metropolis. Specific information and documentary evidence of relevance sought in the interview included the spatial distribution of households in the metropolis; the number of houses and households, the population densities and economic divide of the residents; the per capita solid waste generation rate; and evidence of any source separation process in the metropolis.
The questionnaire was designed taking into consideration the various present challenges confronting solid waste management in the metropolis and the level of literacy of certain households in the various communities in the field of solid waste management. The questionnaire explicitly explained the need for source separation of municipal solid waste and the subsequent benefits that could be derived from the process. It was also intended to create awareness on the current solid waste management practices and its associated consequences to the environment and public health. The questions were prepared to meet the objectives of the study. Other questions of importance to the process were the degree and category of source separation that would be convenient to the participants and the means of provision of extra storage bins for the source separation process. Questions relating to motivation and reliability of the collection system after separation as a function of participation rates were also asked. Although not specifically related, respondents were given the chance to comment on the quality of solid waste services they receive from the assembly and their expectation for an improved service.