Characteristics of Plastic Solid Wastes in Mosul City and Their Reuse

Abstract

Moderately, plastic solid wastes become a main part of municipal solid waste production. Their importance lies due to non-degradable matter, not soluble, in addition to a light weight and large quantities. These characteristics make accumulate in increasing quantities on the surface of the globe and reach water bodies causing pollution in all its forms to wildlife and aquatic life. Six sectors including municipal and commercial areas were selected in Mosul city to study types of plastic waste and its compositions and characteristics. 432 samples of solid waste were collected and sorted to its components included plastic waste, weighted and measured their volumes. This study was accomplished from March 2018 up to August 2018. The study results showed that the plastic waste conforms 5% of dry weight and 12% of the volume of municipal solid waste. Fourteen types of plastic waste components were sorted from municipal solid waste. These include water bottles, soft drink bottles, oil containers, chairs, tables, water pipes, interior parts of vehicles, plastic bags, juice containers, plastic cups, CDs, Nylon, Acrylic and Silicone. Because of plastic waste is non-degradable matter, it will be accumulated on the surface of the earth and reach water resources causing pollution. Applying the sustainable development managements including, reducing the employment of plastic materials, reusing and recycling the components of plastic waste that must be done to increase their recycled products uses.