Towards sustainable solid waste management: nature, operational dynamics and complexities of Informal Waste Service Providers in Kumasi, Ghana

The role of informal waste service providers (IWSPs) in sustainable waste management is not well understood in urban discourses, despite their entrenched presence and emerging popularity in developing countries. Using Kumasi, a hotspot of IWSPs’ activities in Ghana, we explore the intricacies of IWSPs focusing on their nature, operational practices and complexities through the prism of sustainable waste management narratives. Using a mixed study research approach underpinned by neo-institutionalism theory, we unravelled that given the nature and challenges of IWSPs, their practices may be counter-productive to the “so-called” modern, formal image of Kumasi. Notwithstanding, IWSPs typically employ innovative, tailor-made, humanistic, and context-sensitive approaches to address their client's concerns, needs, and satisfaction. Therefore, we argue that IWSPs can enhance Integrated Sustainable Waste Management outcomes provided their challenges are addressed, and they are “not left behind” in sustainable waste policy interventions.