Environmental effects of smallscale sawmills woodwaste disposal in the Kumasi Metropolis

Abstract

This research assessed how small scale sawmills wood waste disposal affect the environment in Kumasi metropolis. The study was conducted at selected local timber mills in Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study was a descriptive social survey design which sought to portray an accurate profile of persons, events and situations. To harness the needed information, a triangulation method comprising of questionnaire, interview and observation/photography methods were employed in gathering data. Purposive random sampling method was used in selection of two hundred and thirty eight (238) respondents from population comprising of wood processors, carpenters and timber sellers from the areas under survey. The study showed sawing and planning as the highest waste generation sources whiles majority of sawmill collect the waste generated by manual clearing. These wastes affect the environment by reducing its aesthetic, produce offensive odours during the rains and pollute the air with smoke when the wastes are burnt uncontrollably. Improper wood waste disposal cause hazard to human. The study recommended measures for dealing with the situation of waste disposal at these saw mills.