Solid waste management is one of the critical issues in most developing countries that deprive communities of a sustainable environment and access to public health. Yet, few efforts have been done to create awareness of communities about the possible dangers of inadequate waste management and mitigation measures. This study was conducted to obtain baseline information about the knowledge, awareness and practices of solid waste management in the Sunyani West Municipality of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey that employed 400 respondents were randomly selected for the study. The study reveals that few of the respondents had received information on waste management programmes organized by local authorities. There is a low level of commitment to improving waste management in the community by respondents despite the glaring health effects. The outcomes of this study will be useful to relevant stakeholders and local authorities to initiate plans that will ensure a sustainable environment and avert the related economic and public health implications.

Keywords: Greenhouse gases, landfill, solid waste management, waste segregation