Public perceptions of waste-to-energy technology in developing countries: A case study of tamale, Ghana

While Waste-to-Energy (WtE) holds promise for addressing waste management challenges in Ghana, its social acceptance remains a hurdle. To understand the public's perspective, this research employed a questionnaire survey. With a remarkable response rate of 85.9%, 460 questionnaires were distributed and 395 were returned, providing a robust dataset for analysis. This high participation level demonstrates the public's interest in the issue, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their perceptions and concerns regarding WtE technology. The results show heightened environmental awareness and resource shortage concerns among residents. While acknowledging WtE benefits, a lack of technical understanding fuels anxieties about odor and health risks, manifesting as a "Not-In-My-Backyard" (NIMBY) syndrome. Age, education, and proximity to WtE plants influence awareness and acceptance, with higher levels observed in urban residents, older age groups, and those closer to existing WtE plants. While perceived environmental awareness and recognition of WtE doesn't directly impact attitudes, perceived risks and benefits, especially risks, significantly influence public attitude and acceptance of WtE. To promote WtE development, targeted education campaigns, standardized waste management, and robust environmental regulations are crucial. This study offers insights for navigating the complex interplay of awareness, risk perception, and acceptance for sustainable WtE implementation in Ghana. • Anaerobic digestion emerged as the most preferred waste-to-energy technology for use in Tamale • Tamale generates 176.1 tons/day of MSW with 44.9% organic content, suitable for WtE technologies like anaerobic digestion. • Hospitality waste has the highest organic content (62.3%), offering targeted WtE opportunities. • Household waste has a calorific value of 6693.8 kcal/kg, showing potential for direct energy generation. • Findings provide crucial information for policymakers to develop tailored waste and energy strategies for the city.