Assessing the waste management practices of the hospitality industry, a case study of Ahenfie hotel, Berekum Municipality

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the waste management practices in hospitality industry services in the Berekum Municipality. Quantitative research approach was used. The population was made up of 25 staff at the hotel. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample the 20 staff members of the Ahenfie Hotel. Questionnaires were the main instrument used to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. The study results indicate that 85% of the respondents indicated that the non hazardous waste generated in the hotel were food and kitchen waste leftovers, used or dirty papers and wrapping, plastic wrapping or bags, cardboard packaging, printed documents, brochures, menus, magazines, newspapers, bags, bottles (that did not contain hazardous chemicals), and food containers. Moreover, 15% said that common potential hazardous wastes generated specifically include, polishes (used on the floor, metal, shoes and furniture), cleaning and disinfecting products (carpet and oven cleaners, detergent, bleach, spot removers and pool chemicals). The study shows that staff’s roles as waste managers in the hotel is to regulate activities such as cleaning, weeding, washing and smoking that can lead to hazardous conditions (mean score of 4.87, SD - 0.67), properly control waste (mean score of 4.83, SD - 0.69), weed and control grass and bush (mean score of 4.76, SD - 0.75), maintaining operational tidiness and order (mean score of 4.54, SD - 0.78), and handle materials well and store them properly (mean score of 4.52, SD - 0.83). The study concluded that the hotel does not document the quantity of waste generated and the employees are not trained on how to manage waste. Again, the persons responsible for managing waste do not have adequate personal protective equipments. The study recommended that the Management of the hotel should organize periodic workshops, seminars and conferences to enhance the knowledge and practical expertise of waste management supervisors to improve hygiene and cleanliness initiatives in the hotel.