Cutting Campus Litter by 60% at University of Ghana, Legon

Published March 19, 2026

Education

Campus Litter Reduction

percentage points

Recycling Rate Improvement

dual-compartment bins

Bins Deployed

The Challenge

The University of Ghana's 3,000-student refectory and surrounding campus spaces had persistent littering problems driven by chronic under-provision of waste bins. The refectory had just six bins for a peak lunchtime population of over 1,500 students, leading to overflowing waste and visible litter across footpaths and green spaces. Campus recycling infrastructure was essentially non-existent: a single recycling pilot in 2022 had achieved just a 3% diversion rate before being abandoned due to contamination. The estates department faced growing pressure from the university administration and student body to improve campus cleanliness.

Our Solution

PCM deployed 18 dual-compartment 240L bins across the refectory and surrounding campus — each bin colour-coded for general waste and recyclables, with graphic instruction panels in English and Twi. Twice-daily collection runs were scheduled at 07:30 and 14:00 to capture both breakfast and lunch peaks. Six dedicated recycling stations were installed at high-traffic campus intersections, with collection by PCM's recycling crew three times per week. PCM's Environmental Team ran engagement sessions with the University's Green Campus Club to promote proper bin usage, reaching over 600 students.

The Results

Visible campus litter fell by 60% in the semester following the service launch, measured by the university estates team using a standardised litter index. The recycling rate improved from 3% to 19% — a 16-percentage-point improvement — driven by the dual-compartment bins and recycling stations. The university's annual Sustainability Report for 2025 cited the PCM partnership as the primary contributor to its improved environmental score. The Green Campus Club has since integrated waste management into its formal agenda.