How informal waste collection improves public health and reduces urban flooding: Evidence from Accra
This study of 1,800 households in Accra, Ghana, reveals that 80% rely on informal waste collection services due to lower prices and more frequent collections. The findings suggest that price and collection frequency are key factors influencing household choices, with low-income households particularly responsive to price changes, leading to better public health outcomes and reduced flooding.
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Banares-Sanchez-and-Wiskamp-Policy-Brief-January-2025.pdf
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- This brief outlines the initial findings from a survey of 1,800 households in Accra, Ghana. The survey is part of a study that seeks to advance our understanding of informal waste collection markets and explore how various market design policies might improve them.
- Among surveyed households, 80% rely on informal waste collection services, even in areas where formal collection is available. Informal waste collectors charge lower prices than formal companies, provide collection services more frequently, and rely on day-to-day payments rather than weekly or monthly fees.
- Evidence from a survey experiment suggests that collection frequency and price are the key determinants influencing households' choice between different waste disposal options. Low-income households respond the most to changes in price. Small price reductions may lead to large increases in collection rates for this sizeable population group.
- Access to and usage of informal waste collection are associated with better public health outcomes and reduced flooding experiences.
- It is challenging to monitor reduced flooding due to improved solid waste management with satellite data.On-the-ground measures seem to be needed.