Balancing the Benefits and Challenges of Scrap Picking in Ghana; Addressing the Challenges Informal Scrap Picking Poses to Residents

Informal scrap picking has grown significantly in Ghana, characterised by men especially scavenging for plastics, metals and others in landfills, communities and streets. While these activities contribute to waste management efforts and circular economy, they also present challenges for residents. This paper presents the adverse effects the phenomenon poses to Ghanaian communities and the way forward. The phenomenon enables unauthorized invasion of people’s properties leading to collection of valuable items, it presents an opportunity for others to pose as scrap pickers for other purposes that have the potential of endangering residents. The activity also has the tendency to generate fear and insecurity in communities. To mitigate these challenges, this paper proposes the establishment of community drop-off or donation points under the regulation of the local assemblies. Such centralised location will streamline collections, reduce neighbourhood scavenging and foster collaboration between pickers and residents. Also formalising the scrap picking activities through unions, operational guidelines and identification systems is recommended. By addressing concerns of both parties, a harmonious waste management system will be created that ensures a balance of the benefits of informal recycling and safety of residents with trust.