Effects of the Decommissioning of a Garbage Dump on Solid Waste Management and Gravimetric Study in a Rural Community in Baianópolis, Bahia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in solid waste management and to carry out a gravimetric study in the rural community of Tabua, in the municipality of Baianópolis-BA, following the decommissioning of a landfill site. Method: The methodology adopted for this research was divided into: a gravimetric study and the identification/analysis of irregular waste disposal points. The gravimetric study was carried out by quartering and separating the waste. The identification of irregular waste disposal points near the community was carried out over a distance of around 5 km on the BA430. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the community's per capita waste generation is 0.171 kg/inhabitant per day, with the gravimetric composition of the sample corresponding to: 34% glass, 28% organic, 22% reject, 11% plastic, 3% metal and 2% paper. The most representative specific weight was observed for organic waste, followed by glass and waste. Four irregular solid waste disposal points were found near the community of Tabua, developed and intensified after the sudden closure of the dump in 2022. Research Implications: This research has practical implications as it presents a diagnosis of poor waste management in a rural community, as well as proposing alternatives for more inclusive and comprehensive management. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the generation and disposal of solid waste in rural areas, an issue that has been little discussed in the academic sphere and which is generating growing concern for the rural environment and for guaranteeing the health of the rural population.